Chaos at APC Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos
Chaos at APC Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Ojokoro LCDA, Lagos State, descended into chaos on Monday due to accusations of the imposition of a chairmanship candidate.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting, which commenced peacefully at 4:00 p.m. at 7 Ijaoye Street, was interrupted by a group of aggrieved members protesting against the alleged decision.
The demonstrators vocally expressed their discontent, chanting slogans such as “Ole!” (thief) and “We can’t take it,” while targeting the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for allegedly imposing a candidate from Agege on the residents of Ojokoro.
Other chants included “Who knows Sanusi?” and “Obasa can’t control us from Agege,” emphasizing their refusal to accept an outsider in leadership roles.
In a statement following the disruption, protest leader Mr. Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye asserted that the meeting’s purpose was to endorse a candidate with no genuine connection to the council. He stressed that the chairmanship aspirant should reside in Ojokoro, have a history of working for the party, and actively engage in local politics.
Akinoso-Olawaye cautioned that imposing an unfamiliar candidate without electoral ties to Ojokoro could lead to adverse repercussions. “We are here to reject imposition,” he declared, advocating for a fair opportunity for all aspirants to demonstrate their political credentials.
Another protest leader, Mrs. Bola Ojetayo, voiced her frustration that party leaders frequently prioritize personal agendas over the needs of the community. She insisted that the protest was crucial to prevent an outsider from assuming the council chairmanship. “We must not sell our seat to outsiders,” she stated. “Someone from Agege should not dictate who leads Ojokoro.”
In response to the unrest, Mr. James Owolabi, a former House of Representatives member and an APC leader in Ojokoro, urged the protesters to remain calm and avoid violence. He acknowledged their concerns and affirmed their right to voice their opinions peacefully within the party. “You have a voice in the party. Express yourselves peacefully without violence,” Owolabi advised.
Other APC leaders present included Mr. Jelili Oseni, the current council chairman, and Ipoola Omisore, a former member of the Lagos Assembly, along with Alh. Amosu Aminu, Chief Oriyomi Olaogun, and Mr. Akindele Aremu.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced that local government elections are scheduled for July 12.
