Internal Divisions Threaten Lagos Local Government Elections
The political landscape in Lagos State is heating up as the July 12, 2025 local government elections draw near. While campaigns have officially commenced, internal divisions within various political parties, most notably the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), threaten to disrupt the electoral process. These internal rifts, stemming largely from contested primary elections, raise concerns about the fairness and transparency of candidate selection and the overall integrity of the upcoming polls.
Within the APC, the primary elections held on May 10, 2025, sparked widespread protests and accusations of manipulation. While the party leadership maintains the primaries were successfully conducted through a combination of consensus and indirect voting, dissenting voices allege irregularities and a lack of internal democracy. A major point of contention is the influence of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who is accused of imposing his loyalists as candidates, particularly in the Agege and Orile Agege areas. A faction within the APC, aligned with the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has openly challenged Obasa’s dominance and rejected the primary results, claiming they do not reflect the will of party members. This internal struggle has created a deep divide within the APC, threatening party unity and potentially impacting its performance in the upcoming elections.
Adding to the APC’s internal woes, a group of women members staged a protest at the State House, demanding the cancellation of the APC primary in Àgbàdo/Oke-Odo Council. They allege an attempt to impose candidates and have petitioned President Bola Tinubu for intervention. Similar protests have erupted in other areas like Lagos Mainland Local Government Area and Yaba Local Council Development Area. The APC’s internal appeal committee has received over 100 petitions related to the primaries, highlighting the extent of dissatisfaction and the challenge the party faces in resolving these disputes.
The Labour Party is also grappling with internal divisions, with three separate factions claiming legitimacy and vying for recognition by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). LASIEC has sought guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the authentic leadership of the LP in Lagos, creating uncertainty and confusion as the elections approach. A caretaker committee within the LP is working to reconcile the warring factions, but the deep-seated divisions threaten to undermine the party’s ability to present a united front in the elections. One faction, led by Sam Okpala, claims to be the legitimate leadership recognized by both LASIEC and INEC, dismissing the claims of other factions as the work of "fifth columnists."
While the APC and LP grapple with internal conflicts, other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Action Congress (AAC), are gearing up for the elections. The PDP acknowledges facing minimal internal divisions but remains optimistic about its chances, especially after the departure of a prominent member. The AAC, positioning itself as the "true pro-people party," is actively campaigning at the grassroots level, hoping to capitalize on the internal struggles of the larger parties.
With 19 registered political parties expected to participate in the July 12 elections, the political atmosphere in Lagos remains charged. The internal divisions within the major parties have created an unpredictable scenario, leaving the outcome of the elections open to speculation. Whether these internal conflicts will be resolved before the polls remains to be seen, but their impact on the electoral process is undeniable. The ability of the parties to manage their internal affairs and present a united front will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the outcome of the local government elections.
The stakes are high in these elections, not only for control of local government councils but also as a precursor to the 2027 general elections. The local government elections will serve as a litmus test for the major parties, gauging their strength and popularity ahead of the larger electoral battle. The internal divisions within the APC and LP, if left unaddressed, could significantly weaken their performance and provide an opportunity for smaller parties to gain ground. The coming weeks will be crucial for the parties to resolve their internal issues and focus on presenting their platforms to the electorate. The voters of Lagos State will ultimately decide which parties have successfully navigated their internal challenges and earned the right to represent them at the local government level.
