The recent All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship and councillorship primaries in Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have sparked controversy and internal dissent within the party. A group of APC members, identifying themselves as Concerned APC Stakeholders in Eti-Osa East LCDA, have publicly voiced their grievances, alleging widespread irregularities and manipulation during the primaries, and appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu for intervention. They claim the primaries, held at the party’s state secretariat, were tainted by favoritism and a blatant disregard for democratic principles, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among aspirants who believe the process was deliberately skewed against them. The group’s discontent centers on what they perceive as the unjust denial of the party’s ticket to the incumbent chairman, John Ogundare, whom they praise for his exemplary leadership and achievements during his tenure.
The stakeholders argue that Ogundare’s performance in office merits his re-nomination. They cite his swift action in addressing security challenges within the LCDA, restoring peace and stability to a previously volatile area. They further commend his implementation of environmental reforms, youth empowerment programs, and his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the government and the party. The group portrays Ogundare as a unifying figure who has fostered trust and cooperation, and they express their bewilderment and indignation at what they view as an orchestrated effort by self-serving party leaders to undermine his candidacy. This perceived injustice, they argue, contradicts the principles of fairness and justice that President Tinubu embodies.
The group’s open letter to President Tinubu serves as a formal plea for his intervention in the perceived crisis rocking the APC in Lagos. They detail their concerns regarding the alleged electoral malpractices and injustice that marred the primaries, particularly within Eti-Osa East LCDA. The letter, titled “A Call for Presidential Intervention In The Crisis Rocking APC In Lagos Arising from Electoral Malpractices & Injustice That Marred the just-concluded primaries of the party in The State for Forthcoming LG Elections,” underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential repercussions for the party’s unity and electoral prospects. The stakeholders warn that ignoring the alleged electoral fraud would not only be detrimental to the party but also inconsistent with the President’s commitment to justice and fairness.
The stakeholders’ demands include a comprehensive forensic investigation into the conduct of the primaries, specifically in Eti-Osa East LCDA, to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities. They also propose the establishment of a Presidential Monitoring Panel to oversee the investigation and ensure its impartiality. Furthermore, they call for sanctions against party leaders implicated in any abuse of office and advocate for support for performing incumbents like Ogundare. They believe that these measures are crucial to restoring faith in the party’s internal processes and preventing further fragmentation. They highlight the recent loss of the Federal Constituency seat to the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections as evidence of the party’s vulnerability and the potential consequences of internal divisions.
The Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, has responded to the allegations and the call for presidential intervention, dismissing both as misplaced. Oladejo contends that involving the President in this matter is unnecessary and inappropriate, given the party’s established internal mechanisms for resolving disputes. He emphasizes that the party has its own rules and regulations for addressing grievances and that members should adhere to these procedures. While acknowledging the right of members to express their dissatisfaction, Oladejo stresses the importance of party discipline and adherence to established protocols. He encourages aggrieved members to familiarize themselves with the party’s internal processes and refrain from escalating internal matters to the President, citing the demands of his busy schedule.
Oladejo’s response reflects the party’s official stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of internal resolution and downplaying the significance of the allegations. This contrasting perspective highlights the divide within the party and the differing interpretations of the events surrounding the primaries. The call for presidential intervention, the allegations of manipulation, and the official response underscore the ongoing tensions within the APC and the challenges it faces in maintaining unity and addressing internal dissent in the aftermath of the primaries. The situation in Eti-Osa East LCDA serves as a microcosm of the larger dynamics at play within the party, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of its internal processes and the potential consequences for its electoral future.
