APC Primary Crisis Deepens in Lagos as Groups Demand Probe Over Alleged Irregularities

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations of manipulation and irregularities during the party’s recent primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council, aggrieved party members under the platform of the APC Ifako-Ijaiye Grassroots Forum (IGF) have petitioned the national leadership of the party, demanding an investigation into the House of Assembly primary conducted on May 20, 2026.

The group described the exercise as compromised and inconsistent with democratic principles, alleging widespread irregularities that allegedly influenced the outcome of the contest.

According to the petition dated May 26 and addressed to the APC national chairman in Abuja, the petitioners accused party officials of result manipulation, voter intimidation, inflated vote figures, and failure to comply with party guidelines during accreditation and voting.

The forum specifically challenged the emergence of incumbent lawmaker Adewale Temitope Adedeji as the party’s candidate, insisting the announced result did not reflect the true wishes of party members who participated in the process.

Members of the group further alleged that valid membership slips required for voting were ignored, while some delegates and supporters believed to be against the incumbent candidate were allegedly harassed during the exercise.

The petition is the latest sign of growing tension within the Lagos APC after several party primaries across the state generated protests, accusations, and internal divisions.

The crisis widened after the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, openly criticised the conduct of some APC primaries in Lagos.

Speaking during a meeting with market leaders and stakeholders in Alausa, Ikeja, Tinubu-Ojo called for the disbandment of two influential APC political blocs in Lagos — Justice Forum and Mandate Movement — accusing them of manipulating the primary process.

She alleged that the mandates of some aspirants in Mushin Constituency I, Agege Constituency II, and Ojokoro were allegedly taken from rightful winners and handed to preferred candidates.

Tinubu-Ojo warned against what she described as attempts to suppress the wishes of party members through political manipulation, insisting that the party leadership must urgently intervene before the situation escalates further.

She also expressed frustration over what she described as the continued marginalisation of market women despite their longstanding support for the APC in Lagos State.

According to her, traders and market leaders have consistently mobilised grassroots support for the ruling party during elections but have received little political recognition in return.

Tinubu-Ojo maintained that market women across Lagos remain loyal to the APC and committed to supporting the governorship ambition of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat alongside other party candidates nationwide, but stressed that loyalty should not be ignored when appointments and political opportunities are shared.

Meanwhile, tension is also rising in Mushin, where aggrieved APC members and supporters have threatened mass protests if the alleged mandate of a displaced aspirant is not restored.

The protesters accused leaders linked to the Justice Forum bloc of attempting to impose candidates and weaken internal democracy within the party.

Amid the growing crisis, the Christian Conscience Group, a non-denominational organisation, has urged political actors across the country to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Yetunde Akinluyi, and National Secretary, Rev. Kolawole Verrals, the group warned that Nigeria’s democracy could face serious setbacks if political parties fail to conduct transparent and credible internal elections.

The organisation also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward addressing insecurity and improving public confidence in democratic institutions.

The developments have once again exposed deep cracks within the Lagos APC, a party long regarded as one of the most organised political structures in Nigeria.

With petitions, protests, and public accusations now dominating discussions after the primaries, pressure is mounting on the APC national leadership to intervene quickly and prevent the internal disputes from escalating into a wider political crisis ahead of the 2027 polls.