Tensions are escalating within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as angry members prepare to stage large-scale protests today (Tuesday). Demonstrators are set to gather at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, and in Somolu.
Many aspirants and party supporters have expressed outrage over the conduct of Saturday’s local government primaries. The protests come as the party’s Appeal Committee deadline for petitions ends today.
The APC held primaries across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. According to reports, 55 candidates emerged through a mix of consensus and delegate voting. However, several areas—especially Lagos Mainland and Yaba—failed to produce candidates. Protests disrupted those processes.
Many party members have rejected the consensus method. They argue that it lacked transparency and excluded key stakeholders. During the primaries, protesters in Lagos Mainland and Yaba condemned the imposition of candidates. They claimed leaders ignored consultations and imposed names without fair input.
In response to the crisis, the APC set up a five-member Appeal Committee. Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), chairs the panel. Other members include Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi (Secretary), Rt. Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi, and Chief Chukwudi Adiukwu.
According to the party’s spokesperson, Oluseye Oladejo, the committee will handle all petitions from aggrieved aspirants.
“All appeals must reach the committee before 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13,” Oladejo stated.
As protests grow, some members have urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene. A Somolu-based APC member said, “This protest will be bigger than the last. Our leaders handpicked candidates without consulting us.”
In a joint statement, the Concerned Stakeholders from Bariga and Somolu demanded the cancellation of the primaries. They also called for an urgent investigation into what they described as a flawed process.
“We want the leadership to cancel the manipulated elections in Somolu and Bariga,” said Aisha Lawal and David Balogun, who signed the statement.
More Accusations Emerge
Meanwhile, the Ebony Campaign Team has accused party officials of falsifying results in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA. The group said Hon. Idowu Daramola (Ebony) was wrongly recorded as having zero votes.
Spokesperson Morufdeen Bello condemned the act. “This shameful manipulation must stop. The declared results do not reflect reality,” he said.
The group has appealed to Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the Governor’s Advisory Council to step in and correct what they see as injustice.
As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on the APC leadership to address the crisis before it derails preparations for the July 12 council polls.
