The simmering discontent within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) boiled over on Monday as party members took to the streets to protest against what they perceived as undemocratic practices within the party’s leadership. Gathering in front of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the demonstrators, representing all 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, voiced their grievances against the state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and federal lawmaker James Faleke. Their primary accusations revolved around the alleged imposition of candidates and a general disregard for grassroots input in party affairs, fueling concerns about the erosion of internal democracy and potential repercussions for the party’s future. Carrying placards bearing slogans like “Ojelabi Must Go” and “Faleke is a Betrayer,” the protesters’ chants reflected their frustration and their demand for a more inclusive and participatory political process.
The protest, while passionate, remained peaceful under the watchful eyes of a substantial security presence deployed around the Assembly premises. The arrival of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, further intensified the scene. However, the charged atmosphere prevented him from addressing the crowd, forcing him to depart without engaging the protesters. This inability to directly address the concerns of the demonstrators underscored the growing rift between the party leadership and its grassroots members. The failed attempt at communication symbolized the protesters’ feeling of being unheard and ignored by those in power.
At the heart of the protest lay the dissatisfaction with the conduct of recent local government elections and the subsequent appointment of supervisory positions. Protest leaders articulated their concerns about the lack of consultation and dialogue in these processes, arguing that such actions undermined the principles of democratic representation. Ogumba Adetunbosun, a protest leader from Ikorodu, emphasized that the demonstrators were not opposed to the elected officials themselves but rather the opaque and top-down manner in which other positions were filled. This, they argued, disempowered local party members and disregarded their crucial role in mobilizing support and ensuring electoral success.
The protesters’ grievances extended beyond the immediate issue of appointments. They expressed a broader concern about the stifling of local democracy within the party structure, accusing top APC leaders of disregarding the grassroots. Mrs. Bola Balogun, from Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, directly implicated Ojelabi and Faleke, accusing them of choking the party and eroding its connection with the people who form its base. This disconnect, they feared, could have long-term consequences, potentially leading to voter apathy and weakening the party’s stronghold in Lagos. The protesters called upon President Tinubu to intervene and address the internal crisis before it irrevocably damaged the party’s standing.
Underlying the protesters’ frustration was a sense of betrayal. Many felt used and discarded after playing a crucial role in mobilizing voters during campaigns, only to be sidelined when it came to decision-making within the party. Asabi Adejuwon, another protester, tearfully expressed her disappointment at the lack of support and benefits received from the party despite their efforts. This sentiment resonated with many who felt that their loyalty and hard work were not being valued. They questioned the party’s commitment to its own members and the people they represent, highlighting a growing disconnect between the political elite and the grassroots.
The accusations against Faleke, Ojelabi, and other party leaders extended to allegations of hand-picking local government appointees, bypassing established procedures and ignoring the input of local party structures. Alhaji Talibu Lawal, a party elder from Onigbogbo LCDA, warned that such actions risked undermining the party’s support base and jeopardizing its future in Lagos, a traditional APC stronghold. The protesters’ anxieties reflected a deeper concern about the potential for these internal divisions to weaken the party and make it vulnerable to challenges from opposition forces. Their call for intervention from higher authorities underscored the urgency they felt about addressing these issues and restoring a sense of unity and purpose within the party.
The protesters aimed to formalize their grievances by presenting a petition to Governor Sanwo-Olu, detailing their accusations against the party hierarchy. They hoped to initiate a dialogue and push for reforms that would ensure greater inclusivity and transparency in party affairs. As of the report’s filing, there had been no official response from the Lagos State APC leadership or the Governor’s office, leaving the protesters’ concerns unaddressed and the future direction of the party’s internal dynamics uncertain. The silence from the leadership further fueled the protesters’ anxieties and underscored the need for immediate action to resolve the growing rift within the party. The unresolved tension within the Lagos APC threatened to destabilize the party’s base and potentially impact its performance in future elections. The lack of communication and the perceived disregard for grassroots concerns raised questions about the party’s commitment to democratic principles and its ability to maintain its stronghold in a politically crucial state.
