The Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress in Lagos State has fired a warning shot at the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), urging it not to trample on the will of members in the governorship primary, insisting that democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of convenience.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held in Surulere, Lagos, convened to dissect recent developments trailing the party’s concluded primary elections.
Signed by Anaere Ugochukwu, Chairman of the forum, and Mr Oluwabukola Okeowo, Secretary, the document noted that no fewer than 15 LGA chairmen attended the crucial meeting.
The chairmen expressed full backing for the leadership of the State Chairman, Mr George Ashiru, and members of the State Executive Committee, urging them to remain steadfast and continue operating strictly within the party’s constitution and manifesto.
According to the forum, the governorship primary remains the fulcrum upon which the party’s 2027 electoral fortunes will either rise or crumble.
They noted that while the State Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senatorial primaries were smoothly conducted across the state, the governorship exercise also took place across wards and local government areas on May 22.
However, the group raised a red flag over the eventual outcome announced by the party, alleging that it did not reflect the actual votes cast during the process.
They further claimed that members and supporters across Lagos have been left bitter and disillusioned by the development.
The chairmen also questioned reports suggesting that some aspirants were allegedly sidelined over clearance issues despite participating in the process, arguing that due process must never be turned into a political weapon.
In their breakdown of figures, the forum claimed that Princess Abiodun Oyefusi polled 8,489 votes, Dr Afeez Olasunkanmi Salis scored 7,594 votes, while Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour garnered 4,545 votes.
They insisted that the declared outcome had stirred unease across the party’s grassroots structure.
“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 warned that any perception of imposed outcomes could erode trust and weaken the party’s structure ahead of future contests.
They stressed that internal democracy is not a decoration but the backbone of party survival.
“We respectfully call on the National Secretariat and National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress 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 chairmen also cautioned against actions that could plunge the party into unnecessary legal battles and internal fractures, warning that political rivals are already tightening their grip ahead of 2027.
They urged the party to consolidate its structures rather than open fresh wounds that could bleed its chances at the polls.
On broader electoral matters, the forum called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain neutrality and ensure credibility in future elections.
They also pressed for timely issuance of Permanent Voter Cards and better placement of polling units closer to voters, arguing that such reforms would reduce disenfranchisement and boost participation.
Beyond party politics, the chairmen also raised concern over worsening insecurity across the country, particularly kidnappings and attacks on schools and communities, calling for swift government action to protect lives and property.
They reaffirmed confidence that the ADC could still emerge as a formidable political force if fairness, transparency, and unity are allowed to prevail, stressing that the party must not shoot itself in the foot at a critical political moment.
