APC primary dispute: Lagos lawmaker Samuel Apata appeals to Tinubu over denied ticket

The member representing Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Samuel Apata, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the dispute surrounding the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, insisting that he was unfairly denied the party’s return ticket despite what he described as a clear victory at the polls.

In an interview in Lagos on Wednesday, Apata maintained that he secured the APC primary ticket for the 2027 election with a wide margin, but was not recognised as the party’s candidate.

He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would ensure fairness and justice in the matter, describing himself as a loyal party member committed to the principles of the APC.

According to him, the officially announced result did not reflect the votes cast by delegates during the primary election.

“I contested for the second-term ticket and won convincingly with 9,081 votes. It is unfortunate that someone who came a distant third, with only 677 votes, was eventually declared the candidate,” he said.

“I believe in party supremacy and due process. I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu for providing us with the APC platform, but I am only asking for my second-term ticket.

“President Tinubu is a man of justice, and I am confident he will look into this matter and ensure that the right thing is done,” Apata added.

He also recalled his long political journey, noting that he had previously contested twice for the chairmanship of Bariga Local Council Development Area and had made two unsuccessful bids for the Lagos State House of Assembly before eventually winning in 2023.

Apata further highlighted his achievements in office, including the facilitation of several developmental projects such as the rehabilitation of Ariyo and Grace Streets, as well as the construction and renovation of six schools within his constituency.

He said his experience over the past three years in the legislature had strengthened his capacity to serve more effectively and positioned him to deliver greater benefits to his constituents if re-elected.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Apata pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s administration while expressing hope that the issues arising from the primary election would be resolved fairly and in line with due process.