Security has been beefed up at the Lagos State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogba, ahead of the party’s official unveiling of its candidates for the July 12 local government election.

Naijaonpoint reports that the exercise, which also served as the campaign flag-off for the 57 local council areas, 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs, comes after weeks of internal wrangling and protests following the May 10 party primary.

According to Punch, a noticeable police presence was stationed at the entrance of the party headquarters with a security van.

The precautionary measure is believed to be in anticipation of possible disruptions by disgruntled aspirants and their supporters, who had earlier protested what they described as the imposition of candidates during the primaries.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, confirmed in a terse statement that the party would use the event to formally launch its local government election campaign and present its candidates to the public.

Some aspirants, who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary elections, had staged multiple protests, alleging that the selection process was marred by manipulation and a lack of transparency. In response, the party established a reconciliation committee last month to appease aggrieved members and promote unity.

Meanwhile, the APC chairmanship candidate and incumbent chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, called on aggrieved party members to sheath their swords and work for the party’s victory.

“There was nowhere a candidate was imposed or shortchanged. What happened in some places was normal in politics,” she stated.

Addressing the media in Epe, Animashaun clarified that the May 10 primary was conducted using the direct method, where delegates voted for candidates in the presence of observers.

“It is either a direct or indirect primary according to our constitution. That day was a direct primary. The aspirants were there, voting took place, and results were declared before the people,” she explained.

Animashaun also explained her decision to seek re-election, saying her motivation was to give youths and women in Epe a renewed sense of hope and to deliver grassroots-driven development.

“I know my people. I know their problems and how to handle them. I’m a grassroots person. With the support of our leaders, the right things will be done,” she said.

She assured residents that her administration would prioritise inclusive governance, where the people are part of the decision-making process.

“Before any project is executed, I’ll call everyone on board to discuss it, then take it to the executive for implementation. That way, the pulse of the people is felt, and they are truly involved,” she pledged.

Animashaun vowed to continue anchoring her leadership on people-focused initiatives, stressing that effective governance begins with understanding the people’s problems.