Paragraph 1: Setting the Scene
On July 28, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly became the focal point of rising tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as members from across the state’s 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) converged to demand the removal of their state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi. The protestors, carrying placards with stark messages like “Ojelabi Must Go” and “We Want Fresh Leadership,” made their discontent clear, signaling a deepening rift within the party’s ranks. The demonstration underscored a growing dissatisfaction with Ojelabi’s leadership, prompting calls for change at the helm of the Lagos APC.
Paragraph 2: The Protest Unfolds
The protest, which commenced in the morning, quickly drew the attention of law enforcement. A substantial security presence was deployed around the Assembly complex to maintain order and prevent any escalation of the situation. The presence of police officers highlighted the potential volatility of the demonstration and the authorities’ concern about containing any potential unrest. The protestors’ visible placards and vocal demands created a tense atmosphere around the House of Assembly, disrupting the usual political proceedings.
Paragraph 3: The Core Grievances
While the immediate trigger for the protest remained unclear at the time of the initial report, the demonstration appeared to stem from a culmination of grievances against Pastor Ojelabi’s leadership. The protestors’ calls for “fresh leadership” suggested a desire for a change in direction and potentially a different approach to managing the party’s affairs. The specific issues driving the dissatisfaction, however, were yet to be fully articulated or publicly disclosed. The protestors’ placards, while direct, did not elaborate on the precise reasons behind their call for Ojelabi’s removal.
Paragraph 4: Media Coverage and Initial Reporting
The unfolding events were captured by Grace Edema, a Senior Correspondent for The PUNCH newspaper, who has extensive experience covering various sectors, including education, arts, business, and health. Her initial report, published on the PUNCH website, provided a snapshot of the protest, highlighting the key demands and the security response. However, the report acknowledged that further details were forthcoming, indicating that the situation was still developing and further investigation was needed to fully understand the scope and implications of the protest.
Paragraph 5: Implications for the APC
The protest represented a significant challenge for the APC in Lagos State. Public demonstrations calling for the removal of a key party figure like the state chairman could signal deeper internal divisions and potentially undermine the party’s unity and stability. Depending on the outcome and the party’s response, the protest could have far-reaching consequences for the APC’s political standing and its ability to effectively mobilize support in future elections. The incident highlighted the importance of internal party dynamics and the potential for dissent to disrupt political processes.
Paragraph 6: Looking Ahead
The immediate future of the Lagos APC hinged on how the party leadership addressed the protestors’ concerns. The response to the demonstration, whether through dialogue, negotiation, or other means, would be crucial in determining whether the situation could be de-escalated or whether it would further exacerbate tensions within the party. The protest underscored the necessity of effective communication and conflict resolution mechanisms within political organizations to manage internal disagreements and maintain party cohesion. The events of July 28, 2025, served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political parties in navigating internal dissent and maintaining public image.
