The ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries in Lagos State took a significant turn on Friday as four Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) settled for consensus candidates ahead of voting.
The development was confirmed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), during proceedings at the APC secretariat in Ogba.
Ogala explained that the committee would give preference to local councils that had already reached consensus on their candidates, allowing for a smoother and quicker process.
He announced that Iba, Oto-Awori, Ijede, and Lekki LCDAs had successfully produced consensus candidates: Isa Jubreel for Iba, Azeez Kareem for Oto-Awori, Motunrayo Gbadebo for Ijede and Hassan Kasali for Lekki.
Despite the general orderliness, a moment of drama unfolded when the chairman invited any aspirants who wished to step down to formally do so before voting commenced.
Responding to the call, the chairman of Kosofe LGA stepped forward to announce that one aspirant, Olayinka Rabiu, had withdrawn from the race.
However, Ogala requested documentary proof of the withdrawal, which could not be provided. As a result, the committee ruled that the withdrawal could not be accepted without proper documentation.
Meanwhile, voting has now begun in the remaining 53 local government areas and LCDAs across Lagos.
Earlier in the day, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, addressed delegates and aspirants, urging them to conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully throughout the exercise.
“We take it very seriously. The President is monitoring what we are doing because this is his state,” Hamzat said.
He emphasized the importance of local government administration to grassroots development and encouraged party members to remain committed to the party’s success.
“There are some local governments that have reached consensus, and their leadership has agreed, so they will be attended to first,” he noted.
Hamzat also thanked the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) chairman for being present to observe the process, adding, “On behalf of the President and the Governor, let’s do it peacefully. As you dedicate your time for the party, God will be with you.”
