The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has concluded the screening of 27 aspirants from each of the state’s 20 local government areas ahead of its local government congress scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

The exercise was held at the party’s state secretariat in Ogba, under the supervision of members of the Local Government Area Ward Congress Committee.

Speaking after the screening, the committee chairman, Barrister Mungji B. Salama, described the process as orderly and smooth, noting that no aspirant was disqualified. He stated that consensus arrangements would be respected where stakeholders had reached an agreement, adding that such outcomes would only require formal ratification.

“There is consensus if people agree. They will only need to ratify it,” Salama said, emphasizing that the full results would be officially announced once the process is completed.

He further explained that only aspirants who successfully passed the screening would be eligible to participate in the congress, while urging those who did not make the final list to remain loyal to the party.

“For those who didn’t qualify, there is always another opportunity. Let us proceed without rancour,” he appealed.

Salama also commended the Lagos APC leadership for providing an enabling environment for the exercise, describing the state as a model in party organization and adherence to guidelines.

In his remarks, the Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, said the screening marked the final stage of preparations for the local government congress. He reiterated the party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy.

“We started the process of screening, and tomorrow we are rounding it off in preparation for the local government congress,” Ojelabi said.

He noted that the APC consistently invites the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the media to observe its congresses, highlighting the party’s dedication to openness and accountability.

Ojelabi also stressed the importance of strict compliance with the Electoral Act, particularly for officials who will manage party affairs at the local government level.

“The content of the Electoral Act is very critical, so those overseeing the LGAs must be properly briefed,” he said.

Congratulating the aspirants ahead of the congress, the party chairman described election into party offices as a call to service rather than a platform for personal advancement. He encouraged those seeking leadership positions to honestly evaluate their capacity to serve the party and strengthen its grassroots structures.