By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Lagos Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, says the party has no anointed candidate for any elective position, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ojelabi stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, following the successful conduct of the party’s National Convention, which produced officers across its various organs.

According to him, with the convention concluded, the party’s attention has shifted to the process of selecting candidates for the next general elections.

Ojelabi stressed that all positions are open for contest, adding that the party would not impose candidates on members.

“Now that the convention is over, our main focus is the process of electing the candidates who will fly our party’s flag in the next election.

“I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat.

“We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said.

The chairman noted that the exercise would be conducted in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant electoral laws.

“As usual, this will be done in strict compliance with the INEC timetable and in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other laws governing elections,” he said.

Ojelabi disclosed that the party would adopt direct primaries as its primary mode of selecting candidates, while also allowing for consensus arrangements where applicable.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates.

“However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are freely reached and popularly accepted by all interests,” he added.

The APC chairman, however, warned that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded.

Ojelabi assured members of a level playing field, noting that the party remained committed to internal democracy and transparency.

He added that the party would promote inclusivity by encouraging female participation in the process.

“As a progressive party, we will give all members a level-playing field to contest the positions of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner.

“Furthermore, in line with our party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants, in relevant constituencies,” he said.

Ojelabi urged members to conduct themselves with discipline and respect, while awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership.

“While we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we urge all members to conduct themselves with decorum, discipline and mutual respect,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that politicking and struggles for the party tickets for various elective positions had started in the state, ahead of the primary elections. (NAN)