The Mandate Movement (TMM) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has cautioned against the imposition of party candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. 

The group’s leader and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Muraina Taiwo, issued the warning at a stakeholders’ meeting at his residence in Lagos on Monday.

Mr Taiwo said that the group would resist any attempt to manipulate the party structure for individual interests.

The movement is a group within the Lagos APC.

The Justice Forum, another APC caucus, on Friday in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, endorsed aspirants for the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Mr Taiwo said The Mandate Movement was neither informed nor invited to the programme.

He accused the Justice Forum caucus of endorsing the sitting member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly without formally inviting leaders of The Mandate Movement.

He therefore demanded the immediate establishment of a Constituency Consensus Committee with equal representation from both caucuses to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility.

“This recurring pattern strongly suggests a deliberate attempt by the Justice Forum to marginalise TMM leaders in a bid to manipulate the selection of consensus candidates to its advantage,” he said.

Mr Taiwo reaffirmed the group’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and the principle of popular mandate, stressing that it unequivocally rejects any form of marginalisation within the party.

He also called on the APC leadership to remain vigilant and take decisive steps against actions that undermine internal democracy.

He commended the Lagos State APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, for nullifying the purported endorsement of the lawmaker, describing the move as consistent with established rules guiding party primaries.

Mr Taiwo said it fully aligned with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2025 and APC guidelines, which allow for consensus arrangements but require direct primaries when consensus fails.

While encouraging aspirants to step down for one another in the interest of unity, the leader cautioned that such processes must not be monopolised by any single faction seeking undue advantage.

“As we look ahead, all efforts must be geared towards securing resounding victories for President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates. Unity, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility are non-negotiable,” he said.

Mr Taiwo warned that any attempt to divide the party, exclude key stakeholders, or impose candidates through undemocratic means would amount to internal sabotage.

He reiterated the group’s resolve to resist any manipulation of the party’s structure, pledging to support only credible, widely accepted candidates capable of delivering decisive victories at the polls.

Those in the meeting include the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo 1 in the House of Assembly, Stephen Ogundipe; the national president of NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya; and a former commissioner for information, Kehinde Bamigbetan.

Others are a former commissioner for works, Ganiyu Johnson; former chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Monsuru Obe; coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Oshodi/Isolo LG, Kayode Tinubu, among others.

 (NAN)