The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has instituted a bold new directive, barring members who do not possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from attending party meetings at the ward and local government levels. The move, announced by Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is a significant step towards mobilizing voters and ensuring that only those who are actively involved in the electoral process have a say in the party’s operations.
In a statement delivered at various party meetings across the state on Thursday, Pastor Ojelabi emphasized the critical importance of PVC registration in the party’s quest for success in the upcoming local government elections.
“From now on, no one without a PVC will be allowed to attend our meetings. If you are not registered to vote, you cannot participate in the decision-making process,” Ojelabi declared in his address, which was communicated by the party’s representatives at the Local Government Area (LGA) meetings held across the 20 local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) of Lagos State.
This announcement comes as a strategic move to bolster voter registration efforts and promote greater participation in the electoral process, especially as the party prepares for the 2025 local elections. Ojelabi also stressed that unity within the party would be paramount, stating that only through cooperation and collective effort could the APC secure victory at the polls.
PVC Registration Campaign Intensified
The Lagos APC Chairman called for concerted efforts in ensuring that all members are equipped with the necessary voter identification ahead of the next round of elections. He encouraged members to actively participate in the ongoing PVC registration campaign and ensure they are ready to vote in the local elections.
“There is no place for any member of our party without PVC. Henceforth, once you do not have PVC, don’t attend our party meetings,” Ojelabi said, emphasizing that the directive would be enforced rigorously. The party’s leaders have also been instructed to foster unity and resolve internal conflicts by setting up reconciliation committees where needed, with the aim of presenting a united front in the coming elections.
The timing of this announcement coincides with the party’s preparations for local government elections and is seen as a way to address potential internal divisions within the APC. “We cannot afford to go into the elections divided,” Ojelabi said, urging members to set aside differences and focus on the common goal of victory. He also reassured party members that the APC would continue its registration for new members in the coming weeks.
No Refunds for Election Form Purchases
In another notable point, Pastor Ojelabi highlighted the party’s stance on aspirants for the upcoming local government elections, stating that purchasing nomination forms would not guarantee political appointments. He made it clear that the APC would not offer refunds to aspirants who purchase forms but do not secure positions in the election.
“There will be no refunds for any aspirant who buys forms and fails to win the election. Purchasing the form does not automatically secure an appointment,” Ojelabi stated, reaffirming that the party was committed to transparency and fairness in its primary elections. He also assured the party faithful that the APC was dedicated to a democratic and transparent process for selecting candidates.
Strengthening Party Structures at the Grassroots
The Lagos APC spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, also echoed the significance of the new rule and highlighted the role of ward and local government meetings in reinforcing the party’s presence at the grassroots level. According to Oladejo, the meetings are designed not only to engage members but also to ensure that they are well-informed about upcoming elections and the party’s internal processes.
“These meetings are important as they help strengthen our party structures and ensure that everyone is on the same page. They provide an avenue for the state leadership to communicate directly with party members, especially in preparation for the local government elections,” Oladejo explained.
Furthermore, the APC’s efforts to solidify its foundation at the local level are crucial as Lagos is set to hold elections for its local government councils soon. Oladejo stated that the party was working to organize subsequent meetings in the 377 wards across the state, with the intention of reaching every part of Lagos and engaging with party members from all demographics.
“The meetings will be followed by gatherings in each of the 377 wards in Lagos State,” Oladejo confirmed. These ward meetings are designed to ensure a smooth flow of information from the state leadership to the grassroots and provide an opportunity for members to discuss the direction of the party in the lead-up to the elections.
A Move Towards Electoral Integrity
While some may view the ban on non-PVC members as an exclusionary tactic, others believe it reflects the party’s commitment to electoral integrity and the need for active participation. With the nation’s political landscape constantly evolving, it is crucial for political parties to engage their members in the electoral process and encourage voter registration, which plays a pivotal role in determining the future direction of governance.
Critics of the APC’s new directive have raised concerns that this move may alienate potential party members who are not yet registered to vote, but party leaders are confident that the push for PVC acquisition will ultimately lead to increased voter turnout and greater political engagement.
As the Lagos APC moves closer to the local elections, the focus will likely remain on ensuring party unity, enhancing grassroots participation, and maintaining transparency in the electoral process. The upcoming months will be critical in determining whether this new directive will have the desired effect on party cohesion and electoral success.