Lagos APC Moves Toward Local Government Congress: 27 Aspirants Screened for Key Leadership Roles

 

​The political atmosphere in Lagos State has reached a fever pitch as the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally commenced the screening of 27 aspirants vying for various leadership positions ahead of the much-anticipated Local Government Congress. Held on February 21, 2026, this exercise is a critical step in the party’s internal democratic process, ensuring that only qualified and loyal party members emerge to steer the affairs of the APC at the grassroots level. As the "Center of Excellence," the Lagos APC's internal transition is being closely watched across Nigeria as a blueprint for political organization and party discipline.

​A Rigorous Screening Process for 27 Aspirants

​The screening exercise, which took place at the state party secretariat, was designed to evaluate the eligibility, party loyalty, and vision of the 27 aspirants. The screening committee, composed of veteran party stalwarts and legal experts, meticulously reviewed the documentation and track records of each candidate. The goal is to ensure that the forthcoming congress is free from the administrative hitches that often plague internal party elections.

​According to party insiders, the 27 aspirants are contesting for various executive roles across several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos. The screening focused on key criteria, including:

• ​Valid Membership: Verification of the recently concluded APC e-registration status.
• ​Academic Qualifications: Ensuring candidates meet the minimum educational requirements for leadership.
• ​Financial Standing: Confirmation of the payment of necessary nomination fees.
• ​Party Loyalty: An assessment of the aspirants' contributions to previous electoral victories and party activities.

​Strengthening Grassroots Democracy in Lagos

​The Local Government Congress is widely considered the heartbeat of the APC in Lagos. It is at this level that the party’s policies are translated into grassroots mobilization. By screening 27 aspirants, the APC is demonstrating its commitment to a competitive yet orderly transition of power.

​The Lagos APC leadership has emphasized that the congress is not just about filling vacant seats but about revitalizing the party's structures ahead of future general elections. With 2027 on the horizon, the emergence of a strong local government leadership team is essential for maintaining the APC's dominance in a state that serves as its strongest political fortress.

​The Role of E-Registration in the Screening Success

​A significant highlight of this year's screening process is its integration with the party's new digital membership database. Following the massive e-registration drive that ended in January 2026, the screening committee utilized biometric and digital data to verify the authenticity of the aspirants. This technological shift has minimized the occurrence of "ghost aspirants" and ensured that only active, registered members could advance to the congress stage.

​State executives have praised the e-registration exercise, noting that it has brought a new level of transparency and accountability to the party's internal workings. For the 27 aspirants, this meant that their political history and membership duration were available at the click of a button, leaving little room for discrepancies.

​What’s Next: From Screening to the Congress

​With the screening of the 27 aspirants now concluded, the focus shifts to the official Local Government Congress. The successful candidates will move forward to a primary election phase where delegates across the wards will cast their votes. The party has assured all stakeholders that the process will be inclusive, with a specific focus on ensuring women and youth representation in line with the national party guidelines.

​The APC has also set up an appeals committee to handle any grievances that may arise from the screening exercise. This "safety valve" is designed to maintain party unity and prevent the internal friction that often leads to defections or anti-party activities.

​Conclusion: A Unified Front for Lagos APC

​The screening of 27 aspirants for the Local Government Congress is a testament to the organizational prowess of the Lagos APC. By adhering to a strict timetable and utilizing modern verification methods, the party is setting the stage for a successful transition. As these aspirants prepare for the final contest, the message from the leadership remains clear: the strength of the APC lies in its unity and its ability to govern from the grassroots up.

​For Lagosians and party faithful, this congress represents the renewal of a mandate to continue the developmental strides that have defined the state's political landscape for over two decades.