The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is set for the local government congress holding tomorrow across the 20 pre-existing councils.
No fewer than 540 aspirants – 27 in each of the 20 councils—would be picked through consensus. However, in local governments where consensus is not adopted, Screening Committee Chairman Nungj Salama, a lawyer, said direct primary would be adopted.
In the last three days, the Congress Committee led by Karounwi Oladapo, the Appeal Committee led by Ahmed Rufai, and the Screening Committee have worked with the State Technical Committee, led by former two-time Commissioner Oyinlomo Danmole, to ensure a hitch-free exercise, reports The Nation.
The Technical Committee includes the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Hundeyin, Yakubu Balogun, Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner Lawal Pedro (SAN), and Special Adviser on Housing Adekunle Olayinka.
Accompanied by committee members, Salama told reporters at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, that the list of aspirants was pasted at the respective local governments last night.
Although he was silent on the number of people screened, Salama said those not qualified would have opportunities next time.
Salama said the screening is critical to today’s intra-party polls, urging party members to cooperate with the Congress Committee to the end.
He urged the Lagos APC chapter to live up to expectations as a pacesetter and a state of Mr. President where other chapters visit to learn.
The party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, hailed the sacrifices and commitment of the committees, stressing that they contributed to deepening democracy and strengthening the platform.
He also thanked the State Technical Committee for doing a good job and the monitors of the exercise who are giving feedback to the committees.
Describing the screening as the last stage and a prelude to the congress, Ojelabi said, “Only APC organises congress and invites INEC and the media to witness it.”
He urged those aspiring to serve as ward and local government executives of the party to gird their loins, saying that party work is a tedious job.”
Ojelabi added, “Those aspiring to be party officials should understand the new Electoral Act.” Those who are elected should consider the honour a call to service. There will be no business as usual.
“You must work assiduously for the success of the party. You cannot do it in isolation. You must carry along the party leaders, women, and youths. The party’s job is tedious.”
Also at the press conference were party Secretary Adeola Jokomba, Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo, former Education Commissioner Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, former state lawmaker Rotimi Abiru, Organising Secretary Ayodele Adewale, Youth Leader Dr. Muritala Seriki, K.K. Elesin, Yinka Jeje, and Toyin Balogun.
