The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State House of Assembly primaries in Ward J, Constituency 2, were characterised by heavy security presence and delayed commencement of voting on Wednesday in Mainland, Lagos.
The exercise, saw a large deployment of security operatives including 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 to ensure order at the venue.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the security presence was aimed at maintaining peace throughout the electoral process. He said that the exercise had remained largely peaceful despite early concerns. However, the process was also marred by allegations of vote inducement, with reports that some party members were asked to submit their names and voter card numbers in exchange for financial gratification.
Despite the controversies, party stakeholders expressed confidence in the conduct and outcome of the primaries. Leaders at the venue insisted that their preferred aspirants stood a strong chance of emerging as candidates.
Leader of the Omodada Group, Origubola Ailewu, said supporters were optimistic that their preferred aspirant would secure the APC ticket. He also noted that Ward J consists of Ward F and Ward G within the constituency structure.
Similarly, APC chieftain in Iwaya, Clever Anthony, expressed support for Rasheed Shabi’s bid for re-election into the Lagos State House of Assembly, praising his experience and leadership qualities.
Anthony, however, expressed concern over delays in the arrival of electoral officials, saying delegates had waited for hours before voting commenced.
He described the exercise as a learning process for the party, especially with the adoption of the Option A4 voting system, while commending security agencies for maintaining order.