The Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State has urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to respect members’ votes in the governorship primary election.

The forum made the appeal in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held in Surulere, to review developments arising from the party’s recently concluded primary elections.

The communiqué was signed by Anaere Ugochukwu, chairman, and Mr Oluwabukola Okeowo, secretary, on behalf of the forum.

According to the document, at least 15 ADC LGA chairmen attended the meeting.

They reaffirmed their confidence in the leadership of the state ADC chairman, George Ashiru, and members of the State Executive Committee.

They urged the state leadership to remain focused and continue discharging its responsibilities in line with the party’s constitution and manifesto.

The group said the governorship primary remained a critical factor in determining the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to them, the state assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial primaries were conducted successfully across the state.

They noted that the governorship primary was also conducted across wards and local government areas on May 22.

The forum, however, expressed concern over the results eventually announced by the party.

They alleged that the declared result did not reflect the votes recorded during the exercise.

According to the chairmen, party members and supporters across the state have expressed displeasure over the development.

The forum also questioned reports that some aspirants were allegedly denied recognition based on clearance issues after participating in the process.

They argued that the disqualification of aspirants who met the stipulated requirements should not be carried out without transparency and due process.

The chairmen claimed available records showed that Princess Abiodun Oyefusi polled 8,489 votes in the primary election.

They added that Dr Afeez Olasunkanmi Salis secured 7,594 votes while Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour received 4,545 votes.

The group said the outcome announced by the party raised concerns among stakeholders and grassroots members.

“As leaders at the grassroots level, we maintain that the strength and credibility of any political party rest on its commitment to internal democracy.

“The votes and collective will of party members must remain sacred and should never be substituted by administrative or procedural decisions that undermine confidence in the party.

“The future electoral fortunes of the ADC in Lagos State depend largely on the confidence of party members and supporters,” the group said.

The forum said any action perceived as disregarding members’ mandate could weaken confidence in the party.

The chairmen stressed that preserving internal democracy remained essential to sustaining the party’s growth.

“We respectfully call on the National Secretariat and National Working Committee of the ADC to urgently review the issues arising from the Lagos Governorship Primary.

“We urge the leadership to ensure that justice is done in accordance with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

“Any decision that fails to reflect the genuine wishes of members risks alienating the grassroots base that has sustained and expanded the party over the years,” they said.

The forum urged the national leadership to place party unity above individual interests.

They warned against actions that could lead to avoidable legal disputes and internal divisions.

According to them, political opponents are consolidating their structures ahead of future elections.

The group said the ADC should focus on strengthening existing structures rather than creating unnecessary controversies.

The forum maintained that fairness and transparency would enhance the party’s credibility before the electorate.

“We therefore urge the national leadership to allow the will and mandate freely given by party members in Lagos State to prevail in the selection of the governorship candidate.

“This remains the surest path to party unity, stability and electoral success ahead of the 2027 election.

“ADC has a unique opportunity to emerge as a formidable political force in Lagos State if democratic principles are respected,” the forum said.

The forum, which also expressed concern over security challenges across the country, lamented incidents of kidnappings and attacks affecting schools and communities.

The chairmen called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of kidnapped victims nationwide.

They said the government must prioritise the protection of lives and property.

The forum maintained that security remained the government’s primary responsibility.

They urged relevant authorities to strengthen measures against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The forum also addressed recent resolutions reached by the party’s National Executive Council.

The chairmen cautioned against actions that could distort existing party structures.

They argued that the consolidation of structures from the national to the ward level should remain a priority.

According to the forum, unity and stability were necessary for electoral success.

The chairmen called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial in future elections.

They urged the commission to ensure the timely distribution of permanent voter cards to eligible voters.

The forum also advocated allocation of polling units closer to voters’ residences.

They said such measures would reduce voter disenfranchisement and encourage greater participation.

The chairmen expressed optimism that the ADC could provide credible leadership and governance for Nigerians.

They said the party remained committed to promoting good governance, accountability and national development.

The group reiterated its commitment to the unity, growth and success of the ADC in Lagos State and nationwide. 

(NAN)