By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated an Appeal Committee to address grievances arising from the party’s local government primaries held on Saturday.
The committee is chaired by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), as part of efforts to manage discontent following the exercise to select candidates for the July 12 local government elections.
Despite the APC’s announcement of a successful primary process, the exercise was marred by protests in several areas, particularly over the adoption of consensus candidates. Aggrieved members in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area and Yaba Local Council Development Area staged demonstrations, rejecting consensus selections and stalling the emergence of candidates in those districts.
According to the party, the primaries successfully produced 55 candidates through consensus and delegate voting across the state’s 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. However, unrest lingers in some local councils where dissenting party members continue to challenge the credibility of the selection process.
In a statement issued Monday, APC spokesperson Oluseye Oladejo confirmed the formation of the Appeal Committee to review complaints from dissatisfied aspirants.
The committee comprises Lawal Pedro (SAN) as chairman and Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi as secretary. Other members include former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi; former lawmaker and ex-party secretary, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi; and Chief Chukwudi Adiukwu.
The party says the panel will provide a platform for fair hearing and ensure internal democracy is upheld as the July elections approach.
