Ogun APC Bars Local Screening of Aspirants, Warns of Sanctions Ahead of 2027

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has prohibited unauthorised screening of aspirants for the 2027 elections at the local government level, warning that violators will face sanctions.

The party directed its members to await official guidelines from the state leadership, stating that any individual or group that conducts premature screening would be dealt with.

It also cautioned against the misuse of recently released funds, noting that the money is meant solely for meetings across the state’s 236 wards and 20 local government areas.

These decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The statement was made available to journalists by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Femi Nubi.

The meeting, presided over by the state chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, was attended by members of the State Executive Committee, local government party leaders, council chairmen, and ward chairmen.

According to the communiqué, “the screening of aspirants at any local government level is strictly prohibited,” adding that party leaders must wait for directives from the appropriate state organ.

Addressing participants, Sanusi reiterated that funds released to ward and local government chairmen must not be diverted, stressing that they are designated for party activities.

The party also underscored the need for regular meetings at ward and local government levels, adding that details on the sale of nomination forms would be announced in line with the timetable from the national leadership.

Stakeholders at the meeting made contributions that informed the resolutions reached, while ward chairmen raised operational concerns through representatives from Ado-Odo/Ota, Ijebu Ode, and Obafemi Owode local governments. The issues were addressed by the party’s administrative officer, Mr. Bankole.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government and state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Folashade Adeyemo, urged party officials to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

She also acknowledged the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun for party structures at the ward and local government levels.

Other party leaders, including Chief Mrs. Ronke Ogunremi and Chief Mrs. Iyabo Apampa, called for increased support for party activities at the grassroots.

The party’s Organising Secretary, Yemi Adelani, urged ward and local government chairmen to improve on their performance, noting that while political appointees had been supportive, more effort was needed.

He also announced the conclusion of the party’s membership e-registration exercise and the disengagement of registration agents.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to party unity, discipline, and preparations for the 2027 elections.