Lagos lawmaker Apata appeals to Tinubu after being denied an APC primary ticket

Samuel Apata, the member for Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene in a dispute over the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election. Apata says he was denied the party’s 2027 return ticket even though he won the primary.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, Apata claimed he won the primary by a wide margin but was not recognised as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.

The lawmaker expressed confidence that President Tinubu would ensure justice, describing himself as a loyal APC member committed to the party’s ideals and principles.

According to Apata, the result announced after the primary did not reflect the votes cast by party members.

“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. Personally, I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu for providing us with this APC platform but I want my second‑term ticket. President Tinubu is a man of justice, and I am confident that he will look into this matter and ensure that the right thing is done,” he added.

Apata recalled his long‑standing involvement in politics, noting that he had previously contested twice for the chairmanship of Bariga Local Council Development Area and had also sought election to the Lagos State House of Assembly on two occasions before finally winning in 2023.

Highlighting his achievements in office, the lawmaker said he had facilitated several developmental projects in Bariga, including the rehabilitation of Ariyo and Grace streets, as well as the construction and renovation of six schools within the constituency.

He said that his experience in the legislature over the past three years had enhanced his capacity to serve the people more effectively and positioned him to deliver greater dividends of representation if given another mandate.

Apata reiterated his commitment to the APC and pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s administration, while expressing hope that the issues arising from the party’s primary election would be resolved in line with justice and fairness.