Lagos All Progressives Congress Chairman Denies Anointed Candidates Ahead Of Upcoming Twenty Twenty Seven General Elections

Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi confirms no candidates are anointed for 2027. Discover the party's plans for direct primaries and gender inclusivity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 9:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Vanguard News

Commitment To Open Competition In Lagos State

The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has issued a categorical statement denying the existence of any anointed candidates for the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Thursday following the conclusion of the party’s National Convention, Ojelabi clarified that the organization is now shifting its full attention toward the candidate selection process. He emphasized that the party leadership does not intend to impose specific individuals on the membership, thereby opening up all elective seats for competitive bidding.

Adherence To National Electoral Guidelines

According to the chairman, the upcoming internal selection exercise will be conducted in strict alignment with the timetable provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The process is expected to adhere to the 2026 Electoral Act as amended, ensuring that all procedural steps remain within the bounds of national law. Ojelabi noted that this legal compliance is essential for maintaining the party’s legitimacy and avoiding the legal pitfalls that often accompany disputed primary elections in Nigeria.

Preference For Direct Primaries And Consensus

In a move to bolster internal democracy, the Lagos APC has announced that it will adopt direct primaries as its primary method for selecting flagbearers. This approach allows a broader base of party members to participate in the voting process compared to the delegate system. However, the chairman also indicated that consensus arrangements would be permitted in instances where all interested parties reach a free and popular agreement. This dual strategy is intended to balance widespread participation with the need for organizational harmony.