Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid violence during elections, stressing that political contests should focus on ideas and service instead of conflict.
Hamzat made the appeal after taking part in the APC governorship primary election at Ward A4, conducted at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School in Epe Local Government Area.
He explained that the primaries were organised to strengthen development and maintain progress in Lagos, adding that there was no justification for violence among party members.
“It’s a competition of ideas. How do we move our people forward? We intend to develop the state, so we don’t need to fight. As you can see, we are peaceful, and that is the momentum we are taking into the election,” he said.
The deputy governor praised party members for their calm conduct and active participation, noting that feedback from different parts of the state indicated the primaries were peaceful and well coordinated.
“We must thank members of our party for believing in the APC. I appreciate all participants for coming out to vote. The reports we are getting across the state are peaceful, and we are applauding the whole process,” Hamzat added.
He stated that the peaceful exercise across the 45 wards reflected a promising future for internal democracy within the party.
Hamzat further assured Lagos residents that the APC would continue introducing programmes and policies designed to improve living standards and sustain development throughout the state.
“We understand the history and geography of our state, and we believe we are the best party to continue delivering progress and building a state that will empower our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who supervised the exercise in Epe, also applauded party members for maintaining peace since the start of the primaries.
“I stand before you to appreciate your commitment towards sustaining democracy and supporting our party. Most importantly, I thank this ward for its peaceful conduct since the commencement of the primaries,” Ojelabi said.
Chairman of the seven-man governorship primary committee, retired Gen. John Temlong, equally praised the orderly conduct of the exercise, describing it as consistent with APC guidelines and the Electoral Act.
“What we are seeing in Lagos speaks volumes about how democracy has taken root. We want a peaceful process because it is the people giving their mandate to whoever they want to lead them from 2027,” he said.
Returning Officer Kayode Eleshin later disclosed that Hamzat polled 2,210 votes in Ward A4 under the Option A4 voting system.
He stated that 2,432 party members were accredited from the 2,720 registered members for the exercise.
Eleshin noted that some accredited voters departed before voting after waiting for several hours.
He thereafter declared Hamzat winner of the ward primary election.
