Lagos Local Government Elections has triggered major internal crisis in APC.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that there is growing tension within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the upcoming local government elections on July 12.
This Nigeria news platform gathered that many chairmanship aspirants and party members are angry over what they describe as attempts to impose candidates rather than allowing a fair contest.
These concerns come after the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission released the election timetable for 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Although the party decided to adopt a consensus approach to select its candidates, this move has caused unrest in several councils.
Some aspirants allege that the process is being manipulated to favour certain individuals.
For example, in Ojokoro LCDA, the Ojokoro Apex Council announced Mobolaji Sanusi as the consensus candidate, supported by prominent party leaders.
However, another group later presented Rosiji Yemisi as their candidate, sparking accusations that an outsider, allegedly backed by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was being forced on the community.
Similar protests erupted in Yaba LCDA, where party members accused leaders of trying to replace William Babatunde, who reportedly topped the screening, with Babatunde Ojo, who ranked much lower.
Concerned stakeholders petitioned First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the President, urging them to step in to prevent political imposition, which they fear could harm local development.
Some party members expressed frustration that the name of President Bola Tinubu was being used to justify these alleged impositions, which they insist is untrue and unfair.
Critics, including media aide Opeyemi Ahmed, warned that these issues could weaken support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
A party leader, Fouad Oki, also warned in an open letter that ignoring internal democracy could lead to electoral setbacks, urging party managers to prioritise fairness and inclusivity to maintain party strength.
In response, APC’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, denied the claims of imposition, explaining that the primaries had not yet been completed.’
He said consensus is a valid and recognised method within the party and that any unresolved areas would be settled through proper voting.
Oladejo reassured members that internal democracy remains a key value for the APC and that mechanisms are in place to handle disagreements.
