Hundreds of delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Lagos are participating in the party’s local government congresses held simultaneously in the state’s 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas, under tight security.

The congress, which taking place at designated venues across the councils would produce 27 executives in each local government, bringing the total number of newly elected party officials to 540.

Security operatives were deployed across the venues to ensure peaceful and orderly process, while party officials maintained that the exercise was conducted in line with the APC’s constitution and internal guidelines.

Chairman of the screening committee, Barrister Nungji Salama, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation and compliance by aspirants, noting that adequate arrangements had been put in place to prevent disruptions.

“We have done that without any problem and we are starting for the LGA. Thank you, aspirants, for giving yourselves to serve our great party and we want you all to serve diligently and let’s do it without any rancour,” Salama said.

He added that aspirants and delegates had been sensitised ahead of the exercise to avoid conflict.

“We have already sensitised them; we don’t want any fight. People should just come and exercise their franchise to elect their executives. We have called on security agencies to ensure smoothness,” he stated.

At several venues monitored across the state, accreditation of delegates commenced early, followed by voting and collation of results. Party faithful described the turnout as Impressive, with many noting that the process reflected the party’s readiness for future electoral contests.

The state chairman of the APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, underscored the importance of the congress, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.

“It is a call to service for you to deepen our democracy. It’s a call to service for you to make an impact in strengthening, in mobilising, in having a pure administrative arrangement that can drive our party,” Ojelabi said.

He urged aspirants to embrace unity and collaboration, stressing that leadership at the local government level requires dedication and teamwork.

“I want to assure you, it’s not going to be business as usual. If you are offering yourself to serve at any level, be prepared. You must work assiduously for the success of our party. And you cannot work in isolation,” he added.

Ojelabi also referenced the amended Electoral Act, noting that its provisions reinforce the importance of transparency and adherence to due process within party structures.

“The content of the amended Electoral Act is very, very critical and detailed. So those of you that want to be leaders of our party at the local government level, you must be properly guided and that is the reason for this particular exercise,” he said.

He emphasised inclusiveness in leadership, particularly the role of youths and women in party administration.

“The leadership is too critical in driving our party. The youth cannot be left behind. And the power of the women cannot be ignored at all. So those of you that are going to represent us at the local government level, you have the opportunity to think about it: am I capable of holding this particular position? Am I prepared for it? Because it is a serious job,” he said.

Party stakeholders described the congress as largely peaceful, with no major incidents reported as of the time of filing this report.

Political observers note that the outcome of the congress will shape the APC’s grassroots mobilisation strategy ahead of upcoming political activities in the state, as the newly elected executives are expected to coordinate party affairs, membership drives and campaign structures at the council level.

The exercise, conducted under heightened security and close monitoring by party officials, marks another phase in the internal reorganisation of the ruling party in Lagos. (Weekend Trust)