The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is facing serious backlash following its recently concluded local government chairmanship primaries ahead of the July 12 council elections. Allegations of imposition of candidates and lack of transparency have led to widespread protests, particularly from aspirants and local community groups.
Out of 470 nominees, 432 aspirants were cleared by the party’s Electoral Committee, and 55 candidates were ultimately declared winners. Among those selected were relatives of influential party members, raising concerns about nepotism. The primaries, held at the party’s Ogba secretariat under tight security, were supervised by Babatunde Ogala (SAN). However, two council areas—Lagos Mainland LG and Yaba LCDA—did not vote due to unresolved internal disputes.
Prominent upsets occurred as five incumbent chairmen failed to secure second terms. In one dramatic return, Samson Agunbiade reclaimed the Eti-Osa East LCDA seat after previously losing it. Several candidates were reportedly selected through consensus and delegate affirmation, further fueling discontent.
One of the loudest objections came from Barr. Olufunke Rekiya Hassan, the Onigbongbo LCDA chair, who called the process a “kangaroo imposition” and vowed legal resistance. In Amuwo-Odofin LGA, a group called The Progressives condemned “external interference from Abuja,” arguing it undermines grassroots democracy.
Additionally, Ayodele Adio, the Youth Party (YP) candidate for Eti-Osa LGA, challenged the legality of holding elections in 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which he argued are not recognized by Nigeria’s Constitution. He criticized continued election planning in those districts as unconstitutional, despite legislative efforts to legitimize the LCDAs.
These tensions have left the APC Lagos chapter entangled in legal, political, and grassroots controversies as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections.
