Protest erupts over imposition of candidates across LCDAs at Lagos APC primary 

Some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday, staged a protest over what they view as imposition of chairmanship candidates in Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) ahead of the July 12 local government elections in the state.  

Candidates for most of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) emerged through consensus and indirect voting, however, such consensus allegedly failed in the Lagos Mainland and Yaba councils, leading to protest among party members.

The protesters, first gathered along Apapa Road in Ebute Metta and later took their demonstration to Arise TV headquarters in Victoria Island. They accused local party leaders of attempt at imposing unpopular candidates without the consent of other aspirants. 

An APC member, Taorid Owolabi, spoke on behalf of the protesters. He stated that no true consensus was reached amongst aspirants. He called for a rescheduled primary in the affected councils.

He said, “Despite extensive consultations among aspirants within both LGAs, no consensus had been reached. This further underscore the need for a transparent and inclusive process.

“We respectfully call on the State Working Committee to reschedule the primary for a later date and select a suitable venue.

“We also urge the adoption of revised guidelines that reflect the peculiar circumstances in our LG and LCDA, in full compliance with the provisions of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).” 

Sodeeq Olawepo, another APC stalwart amongst the protesters warned that failure to reach a unanimous consensus among aspirants could spark legal issues that may likely cost the party its victory to the opposition consequently. He said, “We are fully aware of the ongoing intra-party crisis affecting our local party structure in both Lagos Mainland LG and Yaba LCDA.

“This has led to a legal suit (Suit No. ID/8948GCM/2025) currently pending before the Lagos State High Court.

“We call on well-meaning stakeholders of our great party to intervene and help restore peace and fairness to our LG and LCDA. Failure to do so could have grave consequences on the APC’s performance in the upcoming Local Government elections and even the 2027 general election.”