Tensions in Lagos APC as aspirants accuse party of imposition of candidates

Lagos, Nigeria – A crisis is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the July 12 local government elections, as several aspirants and party leaders across the state have raised alarm over alleged moves to impose chairmanship candidates through manipulated consensus arrangements.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had earlier released the timetable and guidelines for elections into 57 local government and local council development areas (LCDAs), comprising 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship positions. The tenure of current council officials is set to expire in July.

Though the APC leadership pushed for consensus to streamline the party’s internal selection process ahead of Saturday’s primaries, aspirants in several LGAs have accused party leaders of using the method to bypass democratic processes and anoint preferred candidates.

Protests in Ojokoro, Yaba Over Imposition Claims
In Ojokoro LCDA, a group of party leaders under the Ojokoro Apex Council announced the emergence of Mobolaji Sanusi as the consensus candidate after screening three aspirants. The decision was endorsed in a letter signed by former House of Representatives members Ipoola Omisore and Adisa Owolabi, and incumbent LCDA chairman Idowu Tijani.

However, fresh controversy erupted when another aspirant, Rosiji Yemisi, emerged from a parallel screening exercise conducted by a different faction of party leaders. A member of this group, who spoke anonymously, accused the apex council of attempting to impose Sanusi, allegedly backed by Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, despite lacking local support.

“This is an attempt to impose a foreigner with no political history in Ojokoro. It will not stand,” the source said.

In Yaba LCDA, similar tensions flared after a coalition of concerned landlords, electorates, and political stakeholders accused party leaders of plotting to replace the name of William Babatunde, who emerged top in a screening exercise with 85%, with that of Babatunde Ojo, who ranked 11th with 65%.

The coalition, led by Amoo Ismail, petitioned First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu, urging them to halt the alleged manipulation.

“We humbly implore Your Excellencies to consider alternative approaches that respect grassroots participation. Imposing a single individual undermines our democracy and stunts local development,” the petition read.

Party Leaders Accused of Using Tinubu’s Name
Some aspirants have also accused party leaders of invoking President Tinubu’s name to justify candidate impositions.

“They are claiming the President has approved certain candidates, which is untrue and disrespectful. Tinubu supports internal democracy,” said an aide to one of the aspirants.

In Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Opeyemi Ahmed, media aide to outgoing chairman Dele Osinowo, lamented the party’s inconsistent guidelines, warning that the practice of imposition could damage Tinubu’s political fortunes in 2027.

“The party isn’t being sincere—from direct to indirect to consensus primaries. Tinubu needs Lagos, but if leaders are writing names from the top, they’re preparing the ground for failure,” Ahmed said in a now-deleted Facebook post.

Party Chieftains Warn of 2027 Risks
APC chieftain Fouad Oki echoed these fears in an open letter titled “Lagos APC’s Crisis of Democracy: Internal Strife and the Risk to President Tinubu’s Stronghold.”

He warned: “If party managers still believe they know better than voters, they risk alienating grassroots supporters who can sabotage not only council polls but the 2027 general elections.”

He called on the APC to abandon “the politics of imposition” and embrace a more inclusive and democratic process.

APC Responds: No Imposition, Consensus Still Ongoing
Responding to the allegations, APC Lagos Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo denied any imposition, stating that the primary process was still underway and consensus remained a legal and party-approved method.

“For those who reach consensus, there will be affirmation. For those who don’t, delegates will decide. Nobody is being forced, and aggrieved aspirants can still contest in the primaries,” Oladejo said.

He emphasized that consensus helps manage post-primary fallout and that the party has mechanisms to resolve any disputes.

“We have always strived for internal democracy. Consensus is recognized by our constitution, and we will handle any conflicts as we have always done,” he added.