All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, party members in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) staged a protest on Tuesday, decrying what they called the imposition of an “outsider” as chairmanship candidate for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12.
The protest, which saw dozens of supporters of various aspirants converge at the APC secretariat before marching to the council headquarters, comes barely a week after a similar confrontation disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting in the same LCDA on April 14. Chants, placards, and strong demands for fairness and transparency marked Tuesday’s demonstration, as members insisted that only a free and fair primary election would be acceptable.
Waving placards that read “We don’t want it, we don’t like it, strangers cannot lead us”, “No imposition, Obasa is forcing on us”, and “We demand free and fair process”, the protesters called on APC leaders to resist the temptation to impose a candidate who they claim is not an indigene or grassroots member of the community.
Chants like “Don’t sell Ojokoro to strangers” and “We want people from within, not outsiders” filled the air as angry but peaceful demonstrators demanded a level playing field for all aspirants.
One of the protest leaders, Mr. Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, described the alleged imposition as an injustice to party members who have long worked for the APC in Ojokoro.
“Don’t place a leader on the people,” he said. “Let all aspirants go to the field in a free and fair primary. We are not here for violence, but we will not accept imposition. Many of these aspirants have spent their hard-earned money on party activities. We can’t just throw them aside for a stranger.”
Akinoso-Olawaye also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a founding leader of the APC, saying that if Tinubu could face primary elections during his presidential ambition, then all aspirants—no matter their backing—should also be subjected to internal democracy.
Another protester, Mrs. Raimot Bello, expressed concern over the imposition of an unfamiliar figure, saying it could damage the unity of the party ahead of the local polls.
“This is not the time to bring division. We want someone we know. Someone who understands Ojokoro, not a stranger who was just introduced to us,” she said.
Similarly, Alhaji Karimu Yusuf and Prophet Kayode, both active party stakeholders, claimed that top APC figures had already agreed behind closed doors to foist a preferred candidate on the people.
“This is unfair. We know the game that’s being played. We won’t accept it,” Yusuf said.
Responding to the protest, the Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Mr. Hammed Tijani, assured the protesters that no candidate would be imposed, adding that the party was still in talks to resolve the issue.
“There is nothing like imposition. Meetings are still ongoing. We are all APC members and the party shall not be destroyed. Please be patient with us,” Tijani said.
Also speaking was Mr. Jelili Oseni, the APC chairman in Ojokoro, who emphasized that the party would recognize and reward loyal and hardworking members.
“Ojokoro will not descend into violence. Those who have worked for the party will be rewarded. There is no imposition here,” he assured.
The protest coincided with a scheduled stakeholders’ meeting at the council secretariat. Notable APC figures such as former Lagos State House of Assembly member Mr. Ipoola Omisore and former House of Representatives member Mr. James Owolabi were reportedly in attendance when the protesters arrived.
The crisis in Ojokoro reflects a broader issue that has plagued the APC in Lagos State in recent years—internal party democracy. While the APC has maintained dominance in the state since the return to democratic rule in 1999, internal wrangling, allegations of favoritism, and the imposition of candidates have become frequent points of contention.
Political analysts say the current tension may impact the APC’s chances in some areas during the July 12 elections if not properly managed.
Ojokoro LCDA, a densely populated suburb in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, holds strategic importance for the party, both in terms of voter numbers and political loyalty. With the LG elections approaching, many grassroots members fear that ignoring local voices could backfire at the polls.
The controversy also casts a shadow over the leadership of the Lagos APC, especially with accusations that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, is allegedly behind the push for the controversial candidate—though this remains unconfirmed.
As the July 12 local government elections draw nearer, the APC in Lagos will have to address these internal issues head-on. Grassroots support remains the bedrock of political success at the local level, and sidelining loyal members could have serious consequences.
For now, party members in Ojokoro are holding their ground, with many vowing not to back down until the selection process becomes transparent and fair.
