The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State House of Assembly primaries in Ward J, Constituency 2, were overshadowed by heavy security deployment and delays in the voting process on Wednesday.
Correspondents monitoring the exercise observed a strong presence of security personnel, including officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Lagos State Police Task Force.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, said the security presence was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly exercise.
“We are here to ensure peace and order, and since morning the process has been peaceful,” the officer said.
However, concerns emerged over alleged vote-buying at the venue, with reports that some party members were asked to submit their names and voter card numbers in return for inducements.
Despite the allegations, party leaders expressed confidence in the integrity and outcome of the exercise.
Leader of the Omodada Group, Mr Origubola Ailewu, said supporters believed Omodada would emerge victorious in the primary election.
Ailewu noted that Ward J consisted of Ward F and Ward G under the constituency arrangement.
“Our expectation is that Omodada is going to become the candidate of the APC,” he said.
He further praised electoral officials for managing the process fairly despite a few operational challenges.
“So far, so good. There are pockets of problems here and there, but basically they are doing the best they can,” he stated.
In a similar vein, APC stalwart Mr Clever Anthony declared support for Mr Rasheed Shabi in his bid for a second term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Anthony, representing the New Vision Group alongside other party leaders, described Shabi as a capable and experienced lawmaker deserving of another term.
“We are here to support Hon. Shabi because of his wealth of experience. We believe he should return as the APC candidate for the coming election,” he said.
Although four aspirants contested the primary, Anthony claimed Shabi’s camp had the largest number of delegates present.
He also criticised delays in the commencement of voting, saying delegates had waited for several hours for electoral officials to arrive.
“People have been here since 8:00 a.m., and nothing has started, but we believe the process will eventually take place,” he remarked.
Anthony described the use of the Option A4 voting system as a new experience for many party members, adding that the process offered lessons for future internal elections.
“This is the first time we are having this kind of primary. There are lessons to learn, and I believe the party will improve the process in future elections,” he said.
He concluded by commending security agencies for maintaining calm throughout the exercise.
“The security is excellent. Their presence has given people confidence to remain peaceful throughout the process,” Anthony added.
