Lagos APC Crisis Erupts as Factions Demand Fair Appointments, Chairman’s Resignation

Protesters Decry Nepotism, Electoral Setbacks Under Current Leadership

Lagos State’s political landscape witnessed heightened tensions today as aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a dramatic protest at the Lagos House of Assembly. The demonstrators, identifying themselves as Concerned and Loyal APC Members, voiced two key demands: equitable distribution of political appointments at the local government level and the immediate resignation of State Party Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

Factional Imbalance Sparks Outrage

The protesters leveled serious allegations of nepotism against the party leadership, claiming the Justice Forum (JF) faction has monopolized key appointments. This perceived favoritism, they argue, has created widespread discontent among rank-and-file members who feel marginalized in the political process.

“The people’s votes, which put leaders in power, are not being respected; appointments are monopolized by a single faction,” lamented Sulaiman Agbaje, a disgruntled party member from Alimosho. His sentiment echoed throughout the protest, with many holding placards demanding fair representation.

Leadership Under Fire

The protesters reserved their harshest criticism for Pastor Ojelabi, accusing him of incompetent leadership since assuming office in 2021. They blamed him for:

• Electoral setbacks including losing Lagos State to opposition in 2023
• Poor performance in recent local government elections
• Conducting what they called “the worst primary election in Lagos APC history”

Drawing unfavorable comparisons to previous chairmen like Abiodun Ogunleye and Otunba Henry Ajomale, the protesters accused Ojelabi of abandoning the party’s progressive ideals. “We are tired of his selfish leadership,” read part of their statement.

Threat to Future Elections

Bayode Taofeeq from Ikotun-Isheri warned that continued factional imbalance could jeopardize the APC’s prospects in the crucial 2027 elections. “We demand a 50/50 split or an equitable ratio of appointments between the Mandate and Justice Forum groups,” he stated.

The protesters expressed particular concern about plans to compose local government executives in what they see as a one-sided manner, calling it a “winner-takes-all agenda” designed to favor certain factions ahead of future elections.

Loyalty Amid Dissent

Despite their grievances, the group emphasized their continued support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda. Their spokesperson, Segun Faleye, read an appeal addressed to the state governor that stated:

“Our prayer to the illustrious leaders of our party is to ask Pastor Ojelabi to leave the party NOW to avoid another imminent disaster in our party administration.”

The statement concluded with a resounding declaration: “Enough is Enough! Ojelabi and co. should take an honourable exit and allow our party to breathe in Lagos State.”

Broader Implications

Political analysts suggest this public rift could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s most populous state. The protest highlights:

• Growing factionalism within Lagos APC
• Dissatisfaction with power-sharing arrangements
• Potential challenges for the party’s unity ahead of 2027 elections

As the crisis unfolds, all eyes remain on how party leadership will respond to these demands and whether it can bridge the growing divide within its ranks.

Credit: This report is based on original reporting by The Guardian Nigeria.