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Somolu Leaders, Civil Groups Rally for Peace After APC Primaries Dispute

Civil society and community voices defend APC primaries, urge peaceful dialogue and reject incitement in Somolu.

In response to rising tensions following the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government primaries in Somolu, civil society groups and community leaders have called for calm and urged all parties to embrace peaceful dialogue.

Speaking to journalists at the Somolu Local Government Secretariat, Comrade Buna Isiaka, Convener of the Civil Society Initiative, described the primaries as credible, transparent, and consistent with both the APC constitution and democratic principles.

“While elections inevitably produce winners and losers, we must uphold democratic maturity and sportsmanship,” Isiaka said. He condemned any efforts to incite unrest, advising aggrieved members to seek redress through party mechanisms and legal channels rather than resorting to threats or protests.

Isiaka also addressed a controversial letter by a local religious leader criticizing the primaries. He stated that civil society observers found no evidence of religious or ethnic bias during the election process and cautioned against inflaming communal tensions.

“Politics must never override our shared commitment to peace, unity, and coexistence,” he added.

The Civil Society Initiative praised the Somolu Local Government for its neutral and transparent handling of the primaries and announced plans for a peace and democracy rally to promote unity.

The statement was co-signed by Babatunde Fasasi (Youth Care Network), Salami Gbenga (Center for Restoration of Values), and Comrade Olaide Babalola (Secretary, Civil Society Initiative).

Echoing these sentiments, community elder Mr. Saka Ibrahim Adeoye appealed to party members to avoid violence and remain united. “Everyone is still APC. Let us engage those who feel marginalized and reassure them. Violence is not the solution,” he said.

Adeoye emphasized that those contesting the results should use the APC’s official dispute resolution panel, which is open to receiving credible evidence of irregularities.

“If you believe you won, the party has provided a platform to make your case. Don’t take to the streets—take your facts to the panel,” he urged.

The appeals for calm come amid criticism of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Chairperson Justice Bola Okikiolu-Gile, who has been accused by the United Action for Democracy (UAD) of overseeing a “fraudulent and manipulated” primary.

Despite these allegations, the civil society groups remain united in their call to safeguard peace, democratic order, and communal harmony in Somolu.

 

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