By Joshua Timi | Ikeja
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stern warning to its Local Government party chairmen and other officials engaging in the unauthorised endorsement of aspirants for the 2027 elections, declaring such actions “unacceptable” and a violation of the party’s internal democratic principles.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed deep concern over what he described as “disturbing and unauthorised actions” by some Local Government party chairmen who have taken to publicly raising the hands of certain aspirants and presenting them as so-called consensus candidates of the party.
“The party wishes to state unequivocally that such conduct is wrong, unacceptable, and a clear violation of the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and due process for which our great party is known,” Ojelabi said. He warned that these actions risk generating avoidable tension, fuelling suspicion, and causing needless division within the party’s ranks at a time when unity and discipline remain paramount.
The chairman clarified that the Lagos State APC has not issued any guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries. Consequently, any attempt by any party official to project or anoint any aspirant as a consensus candidate is premature, misleading, and entirely without the authorisation of the party. The party has placed all officials on notice that it will not hesitate to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on any person who continues to engage in these unauthorised and destabilising acts following this warning.
Reassuring duly registered party members who meet the constitutional requirements to contest for elective offices, Ojelabi said the party remains committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, free from intimidation, coercion, or any form of undue influence. “The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State will not compromise its hard-earned reputation as a political institution founded on the ideals of justice, equity, fairness, and transparent internal democratic processes,” he added.
The warning comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with several aspirants already indicating interest in various positions. President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed that party members across the country be allowed to choose their preferred candidates through direct primaries, rejecting any form of imposition. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, recently confirmed this position, stating that the President specifically emphasised that in Lagos State, party leadership must allow members to queue behind candidates of their choice should consensus fail to be reached.
Ojelabi strongly enjoined all party officials who are expected to serve as impartial umpires in the forthcoming primaries to maintain strict neutrality in the overall interest of party unity and cohesion. The party leadership has urged members to conduct themselves with discipline, mutual respect, and decorum while awaiting detailed guidelines from the national leadership.
