As preparations intensify for the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, four Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have reached a consensus on chairmanship candidates ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries currently underway at the party secretariat in Ogba.
Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that priority would be given to council areas where stakeholders had successfully agreed on consensus candidates.
The LCDAs that produced consensus candidates include: Iba- Isa Jubreel, Oto-Awori- Azeez Kareem, Ijede- Motunrayo Gbadebo and Lekki- Hassan Kasali.
Ogala reiterated the committee’s commitment to a smooth and transparent process, noting that consensus arrangements help de-escalate tensions and streamline party operations.
However, the primaries took a dramatic turn during proceedings in Kosofe, when a party official announced that one aspirant, Olayinka Rabiu, had withdrawn from the race.
Ogala immediately requested written documentation to validate the withdrawal. When none could be provided, the committee ruled the claim inadmissible and declared the withdrawal invalid.
Meanwhile, voting has officially commenced in the remaining 53 local councils across the state.
Earlier in the day, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat addressed party delegates and aspirants, urging them to conduct themselves peacefully. He commended the party faithful for their orderly behaviour and encouraged them to uphold democratic principles throughout the process.
“You know development starts from Local Government. We thank you for coming out. As you dedicate your time for the party, God will be with you.
“There are some local governments that have reached consensus, their leadership has agreed, so they will be attended to first.
“On behalf of the President and the Governor, let’s do it peacefully.
“We appreciate LASIEC chairman who is here to monitor,” Hamzat stated.
