Politics
Lagos LG Polls: APC Chieftain Demands Internal Democracy
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos, Fouad Oki, on Saturday called on members to stand up for internal democracy during primaries for the party’s flag-bearers in the July 24 councils’ poll.
In a statement in Lagos, titled “Re-Lagos State Local Government Election: Before the Cock Crows. Need to be Truthful, Fair, Equitable and Transparent With Lagosians”, Oki also advocated internal party democracy across parties.
The APC chieftain, who decried absence of internal party democracy in the ruling APC in Lagos, said that the forthcoming councils’ poll was another test for party leaders to allow members to choose flag-bearers in the election.
According to him, elections, especially at the intra-party level, showcase the extent of the depth of internal democracy in a political party as the process of choice agreed upon by a group of people.
“I invite and urge all people of good conscience to rise up and keep a vigil on the election primary which the party will organise to choose its flag-bearers in Lagos State.
“No meaningful electoral reforms or review will be attained if collectively we do not stand up to demand for a transparent and credible internal democracy exist in Lagos, particularly from the leading political party that has created a hegemonic environment over the state,” Oki said.
He noted that democracy and popular participation in the last two decades had been facing a crisis of legitimacy and declining confidence in political leaders and institutions in the state.
The APC chieftain, therefore, called on the party at the national level to rise up and intervene on the side of probity, free, fair, transparency and a credible nomination process.
He listed conditions for the conduct of a free and fair internal party nomination process to include establishment of an all-inclusive, independent, impartial, honest and competent party primary electoral committee who would manage party primary elections.
Oki, a former vice chairman of APC in Lagos State, tasked the security agents, media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to contribute their quotas to credible, free and fair elections.
He urged LASIEC to monitor this season of political party primaries, congresses and conventions to elect leaders at various levels of party organisation.
Oki said that the level of violence in some of the past party primaries and congresses was making it difficult for people to participate.
“LASIEC should exercise its statutory oversight responsibility enshrined in Sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).
“Political parties should be admonished that they have a clear obligation to ensure that their Congresses and Conventions are orderly, democratic and in accordance with extant legal framework, their own constitutions, and guidelines, as well as extant regulations and guidelines.
“The Commission should not stand askance and watch internal party activities and Congresses degenerate into farcical rituals and violent fiascos that threaten lives and destroy property,” he said.
He promised to set in motion all legal apparatus necessary to ensure that APC under the Caretaker Committee carry out the exercise without fear, let or favour.
According to him, no doubt, the whole state, indeed, the country is immensely interested in how events at the Lagos council elections will play out.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
-
News3 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics3 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Politics3 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Sports3 days agoNPFL To Settle Feud between Remo Stars, Ikorodu City
-
Sports3 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports3 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports3 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy