A group, Democratic Voice for Good Governance (DVGG), has condemned what it described as the alleged sidelining of female aspirants during the May 16, 2026 primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for National Assembly positions in Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its spokesman, Alani Akorede, the group warned that the outcome of the primaries could negatively impact the ruling party’s chances in future elections if concerns over gender inclusion are not addressed.

DVGG expressed concern that, aside from Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf in Alimosho, female aspirants across Lagos federal constituencies were reportedly unsuccessful in securing tickets, a development it described as inconsistent with the APC’s public commitment to promoting women’s participation in politics.

The group argued that the outcome appeared to contradict the party’s promise under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to pursue 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance.

According to the group, the primary process raised questions about the implementation of the party’s inclusion policy, especially in Lagos where APC’s national leadership has strong influence.

DVGG referenced a recent national newspaper report which claimed that out of 91 aspirants who contested APC House of Representatives primaries in Lagos, only 12 were women, representing 15.4 per cent of the field — already below the party’s stated 35 per cent target.

The report further alleged that none of the female aspirants secured guaranteed tickets and highlighted concerns surrounding the process in Kosofe Federal Constituency.

The group cited allegations that no primary election took place in all wards in Kosofe, yet a male aspirant was declared winner by the returning officer, Gabriel Olusesan Dada.

DVGG also argued that if there had been a decision to replace incumbent lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara, another female aspirant from the constituency, Remi Odunsi, could have emerged to preserve female representation.

The group further noted that other female aspirants, including Ramota Akinlola-Hassan and Rasheedat Adu, among others, were reportedly edged out despite being considered qualified and prepared for the positions.

According to DVGG, the development could undermine grassroots mobilization, noting that women constitute a major part of the APC support base in Lagos.

It maintained that while the party reduced nomination fees for female aspirants and created positions for women within party structures, such measures had not translated into electoral outcomes.

The group also argued that there were no safeguards during the primaries to ensure that women were adequately represented in candidate selection.

DVGG called on APC stakeholders at both state and national levels to review the primary process and ensure that the party’s constitutional and manifesto commitments on inclusion are reflected in practice.

It specifically urged the party leadership to revisit complaints surrounding the Kosofe process and consider measures that would improve female representation in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group said it aligned with the position of the national newspaper report, adding that its own findings reflected widespread concerns among party supporters and voters regarding the outcome of the primaries.