Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State, the Concerned Lagos Island Youths have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to uphold fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the candidate selection process.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group urged party leaders in Lagos Island to prioritise grassroots support, merit, and community engagement over political patronage and imposition.
“For too long, the tradition of imposition has cast a shadow over our internal democratic processes. Time and again, candidates with grassroots support, proven track records, and a genuine commitment to the party’s ideals have had their ambitions dashed at the last minute, replaced by handpicked individuals with little or no connection to the communities they are meant to serve,” the statement partly read.
Describing such practices as “anti-people and anti-party,” the group warned that imposition demoralises loyal members, weakens internal cohesion, and risks alienating the party’s support base. They stressed that this election cycle should herald a new era in which candidates are chosen based on merit, popularity, and alignment with party values—not just political connections.
“The people of Lagos Island deserve leaders they can identify with—leaders who have demonstrated service beyond the campaign trail,” they said.
Highlighting the pivotal role youths played in securing past electoral victories for the APC, the group emphasised the need to empower young people within the party. “Young people were instrumental in our past successes. It is unjust to continually sideline them under the guise of ‘inexperience.’ How can they gain experience if they are never given the opportunity to lead?” they asked.
The Concerned Lagos Island Youths also voiced strong support for young aspirants seeking councillorship and chairmanship positions in the upcoming elections. They cautioned against stifling this wave of new leadership by endorsing disconnected candidates.
“The APC must not revert to the old pattern of imposition. The aspirations of the youth must be nurtured, not suppressed,” the statement said.
In conclusion, the group called for a fair, transparent, and inclusive internal election process, stressing that internal democracy is crucial to the APC’s future success.
“This is not just about individual candidates; it’s about preserving the integrity of our party and maintaining the trust of the people. Let the process be open, fair, and driven by the will of the people,” they concluded.
