Tensions are rising within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as discontent brews among party members and aspirants ahead of the July 12 local government elections. Many are protesting what they describe as attempts by influential party figures to impose candidates instead of allowing transparent primaries.
Aspirants and party stakeholders from various local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs) have accused some APC leaders of undermining grassroots democracy by handpicking candidates, sparking protests in several councils.
This unrest follows the release of the election timetable and guidelines in April by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, outlining the process for electing 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors across the state's 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. With current local officials set to complete their tenure in July, party leaders in different LGAs reportedly formed screening committees to recommend consensus candidates.
However, the consensus arrangement has triggered accusations of manipulation. In Ojokoro LCDA, the Apex Council screened three aspirants and endorsed Mobolaji Sanusi. The decision, backed by a letter signed by former lawmakers Ipoola Omisore and Adisa Owolabi, was sent to the state APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi. The document included signatures from several party leaders, including the current LCDA chairman, Idowu Tijani.
Conflict soon followed when Rosiji Yemisi was also declared a candidate through a separate screening led by another group of leaders. A member of this faction, speaking anonymously, claimed the Apex Council was trying to impose an outsider allegedly backed by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa — a move he warned could alienate the electorate.
A similar crisis unfolded in Yaba LCDA, where a coalition of landlords, voters, and political stakeholders accused party leaders of attempting to replace the leading aspirant from the screening process with Babatunde Ojo, who ranked 11th out of 14 candidates.
The coalition, led by Amoo Ismail, petitioned First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu, calling for their intervention to prevent what they termed a repeat of past political impositions that stifled development.
“Our community has capable leaders who can choose the best candidate from among the aspirants. It is unfair and demoralizing that one individual continues to dictate who becomes chairman,” the coalition stated in their appeal.
In response, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo denied the allegations of imposition, emphasizing that the primary process was still ongoing and that consensus remained a legitimate and constitutional method of candidate selection.
“Primaries will be held on Saturday. Where consensus is reached, there will be affirmation. In councils where no consensus exists, delegates will decide the candidates,” Oladejo clarified.
According to the reporter, the party has been actively encouraging consensus as a means to streamline candidate selection and reduce post-primary tensions.
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