Lagos APC Faces Internal Turmoil Over Endorsement of LG Chairmanship Candidate

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing significant internal discord following the endorsement of Bayo Adefuye as the chairmanship candidate for the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The decision has been met with strong opposition from party members who allege that the endorsement process lacked transparency and fairness.

According to reports, the APC Appeal Committee found that no valid primary elections were conducted in Yaba LCDA and Lagos Mainland Local Government due to unresolved factional disputes stemming from contentious congresses held three years ago. These disputes have led to litigation over parallel ward and LGA executive factions, which are essential for indirect primaries. In light of this, party leaders and aspirants were advised to select candidates through a consensus approach.

However, multiple sources within the APC allege that the so-called “consensus” was, in fact, a forced endorsement. Thirteen leaders led by Hon. Olawale Oshun in Lagos Mainland were reportedly pressured into signing off on Adefuye’s candidacy a move they initially resisted but were allegedly coerced into accepting.

Critics argue that Adefuye lacks the necessary local ties to Yaba, pointing out that he currently represents Shomolu/Bariga in the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and does not reside in Yaba LCDA. They also accuse Senator Anthony Adefuye of applying double standards, recalling his opposition in 2019 to a candidate in Shomolu on grounds of lacking ancestral roots there the same standard they argue now disqualifies his son from contesting in Yaba.

The controversy has sparked protests among APC members, with calls for a fresh and transparent resolution process growing louder. Observers warn that unless the party takes urgent steps to restore internal democracy and fairness, it risks alienating its base ahead of the July 12 local government elections.

As the APC navigates this internal crisis, the party’s ability to maintain unity and uphold democratic principles remains under scrutiny.