Lagos APC Begins Refund of LG Poll Aspirants’ Deposits
Kehinde Adeleye
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has begun refunding nomination fees to aspirants who took part in the party’s 2025 local government primaries but did not secure tickets, party sources say.
According to insiders, some councillorship aspirants have already received reimbursement cheques of ₦1 million as part of the refund process. This follows the party’s announcement to return fees paid by aspirants who were not ultimately selected as candidates for the July council elections.
The move follows earlier commitments by the Lagos APC leadership to honour refunds for both chairmanship and councillorship aspirants, many of whom used their own funds to purchase nomination forms and pay administrative charges ahead of the primaries.
Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi confirmed the refund plan late last year, saying the party recognised the dedication and loyalty of its members and intended to maintain unity and trust within its ranks. He explained that although the party incurred significant expenses during the primaries, leadership directed that refunds be issued as a gesture of good faith.
During the primaries for the local government elections, which saw chairmanship aspirants pay as much as ₦5.5 million in nomination and administrative fees, many contestants were left without tickets after consensus candidates were adopted in several councils.
The refund exercise is being coordinated through the party’s state secretariat, which has collected bank details from affected aspirants to facilitate quick reimbursement. Party officials have indicated that the process will continue in the coming weeks with clear communication on procedures for those yet to receive funds.
The development has been welcomed by many within the APC, with some aspirants expressing renewed confidence in the party’s leadership. Several have also pledged continued support for the party’s broader political agenda ahead of future elections.
