Rep seeks cancellation of APC ward congresses in parts of Lagos

Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance who also represents Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos at the National Assembly, Otunba Abayomi Ogunlusi, has advised the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) to cancel ward congresses held on Saturday in some parts of the state.

While addressing journalists at a press briefing on Sunday, Ogunlusi said except issues arising from the ward congresses are adequately resolved, there may be ‘unimaginable crisis’ within the state chapter of the party.

The lawmaker said the ward congresses were marred by protests and violence in many centres across the state and that it would only be fair that issues surrounding the protests are resolved before the local government congresses slated for April 15.

“The massive protests across most of the local government areas are a proof of the sham congresses held in the state. In my ward, Ward C in Ifako-Ijaiye, the congress did not hold due to fights among members over allegations that some people wanted to manipulate the polls.

“I personally sent in a petition over it and will oppose any result issued from that ward or any other where congress did not hold. The violence that trailed the congress is a warning that the people are no longer ready to accept rigging or manipulations of any form,” Ogunlusi said.

He said the success of APC as a party would be highly dependent on the confidence the members repose on the ability of the leadership to create a level playing ground for all contestants at all levels.

The APC ward congresses in some parts of Lagos ended in violence on Saturday, prompting the state Chairman of Congresses Committee, Dr Garuba Abari, to assure all aggrieved persons that their complaints would be looked into. He however ruled out the possibility of postponing the council congresses slated for next Saturday.