Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has praised the conduct of the All Progressives Congress local government primaries in Lagos State, describing the exercise as impressive despite complaints and allegations of intimidation raised by some aspirants.
Gbajabiamila made the remarks after participating in the APC chairmanship and councillorship primaries held across different parts of Lagos on Wednesday, amid heightened political activity ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
“I am impressed,” Gbajabiamila told journalists while reacting to the conduct of the exercise, adding that the process reflected internal democratic engagement within the ruling party.
The primaries, organised by the All Progressives Congress, witnessed large turnout of party delegates and supporters in several local council areas, although reports of disputes, protests, and disagreements also emerged from some venues.
Amid the exercise, Nollywood actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott alleged that there were attempts to intimidate certain aspirants and influence outcomes during parts of the process.
Elliott, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed concern over what he described as pressure tactics and interference by political actors during the primaries. He, however, did not publicly accuse specific individuals while addressing reporters.
The Lagos APC primaries form part of preparations for the state’s local government elections expected later this year, with party leaders seeking to maintain dominance across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in the commercial capital.
Although APC remains the dominant political force in Lagos State, internal contests during party primaries have historically generated tension among aspirants and supporters due to the high political and economic significance attached to council positions.
Party officials at several venues insisted that the process remained peaceful and transparent despite isolated disagreements. Security personnel were also deployed around key collation and voting centres to maintain order during the exercise.
Political observers say the outcome of the primaries could influence political alignments within the Lagos APC ahead of broader electoral contests expected before the 2027 general elections.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and one of the most influential political figures in Lagos APC, remains a central voice within the party’s power structure in the state.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved aspirants and party members have reportedly begun consultations over possible petitions concerning aspects of the primaries, although the APC leadership has urged members to remain calm and utilise internal mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Stone Reporters note that internal party contests in Lagos often attract national attention because of the state’s strategic political importance and its longstanding role as a stronghold of the ruling APC.
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