The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmen from various local government areas in Lagos State have issued a strong appeal to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). They are urging the NWC to honour the results of the governorship primary election and respect the collective will of party members.
In a communiqué released after a meeting of the Forum of Local Government Area Chairmen of ADC in Lagos, the leaders expressed concerns over attempts to undermine the democratic process. The statement, jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Anaere Ugochukwu, and Secretary, Oluwabukola Okeowo, highlighted what they see as efforts to set aside the mandate given by members during the primary.
The chairmen reaffirmed their confidence in the state party leadership, particularly ADC Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru and the State Executive Committee. They praised the committee’s efforts in steering the party’s affairs effectively.
According to the forum, the credibility and future growth of any political party hinge on its dedication to internal democracy and adherence to members’ decisions. They insisted that the votes cast by party faithful must remain the ultimate basis for selecting candidates, warning against any actions that could erode members’ trust.
“As grassroots leaders, we firmly believe that the strength and integrity of a political party are anchored on democratic principles. The collective decision of our members must be upheld without exception,” the communiqué noted.
The forum argued that the ADC’s electoral prospects in upcoming elections would largely depend on the confidence and loyalty of its members and supporters statewide. They urged the national leadership to carefully review the issues surrounding the Lagos governorship primary and ensure that any final decision aligns with the party’s constitution and democratic norms.
The chairmen cautioned that moves perceived as disregarding the preferences of party members could weaken the party’s foundation at the grassroots level and hinder its electoral success. They further appealed to the National Secretariat and NWC to allow the mandate freely expressed during the primary to stand, describing this as essential for preserving unity and stability within the party.
According to the forum, respecting the primary outcome will boost the ADC’s chances of becoming a major political force in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group emphasized that a commitment to democratic values is crucial if the party intends to build on its growing support and achieve electoral victory in the state.