Lagos APC Primary: Jim-Kamal Says Delegates Must Vote Freely
Ahead of Thursday’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, governorship aspirant, Lanre Jim-Kamal, has insisted that there is no anointed or consensus candidate in the race, calling for a transparent direct primary process for all aspirants.
Speaking during the unveiling of his five-point agenda in Lagos on Monday, Jim-Kamal said the APC must allow a free and fair contest capable of reflecting the true choice of party members.
According to him, the signing of the 2026 Electoral Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reinforced the importance of direct primaries and showed opposition to the culture of candidate imposition within political parties.
He stated that the president’s support for direct primaries was rooted in his belief that party members should be allowed to decide candidates through an open process rather than endorsements or political arrangements.
“I urge the delegates to open their eyes and vote for the person that will lead us well,” Jim-Kamal said.
The APC aspirant also appealed for peaceful conduct during the exercise, noting that Lagos must demonstrate political maturity and set a standard for other states across the country.
“Let us be peaceful. Let us go out and show other states that we are no more ‘Eko for Show’ but ‘Eko for Action’. We are going to lead by example this time around,” he added.
Jim-Kamal described the exercise as a direct primary based on the Option A4 system, adding that although the APC had not traditionally relied on the process, the party had now embraced it.
Reacting to reports of a possible consensus arrangement in favour of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Jim-Kamal dismissed the claims, insisting that all aspirants remain equal in the race.
According to him, reports of endorsement were exaggerated, noting that only a few members of the party’s Governorship Advisory Council reportedly backed Hamzat.
He further criticised consensus arrangements, arguing that such practices often create resentment and internal division within political parties.
“If consensus stands, the deputy governor will not be running from pillar to post seeking support. Consensus breeds bad blood. There is nothing like consensus. We are all equal in this race,” he said.
Jim-Kamal also announced Abiola Okoya, daughter of businessman Razaq Okoya, as his deputy governorship aspirant.
Unveiling his development blueprint, the governorship hopeful presented a five-point agenda focused on free automated education, free healthcare services, women and elderly empowerment, mass housing, job creation, security, and road infrastructure renewal.
He also pledged to tackle traffic congestion through urban renewal initiatives and housing development while promising mechanised farming and fishing programmes modelled after Norway’s system.
Jim-Kamal added that his administration would prioritise youth employment and work towards eliminating unemployment within one year if elected governor of Lagos State.
