Aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State on Monday, staged a statewide protest demanding the removal of the state party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, over allegations of manipulation and meddlesomeness in council affairs.
The protesters who stormed the State House of Assembly complex carrying different placards and chanting solidarity songs, also demanded the resignation of a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, whom they accused of poor leadership and manipulating party processes.
A leader of the demonstrators who spoke to journalists, urged President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC leaders to intervene in the matter, warning that such unresolved grievances could deepen internal party divisions and threaten the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections in Lagos.
Another protester who gave his name as Talibu Lawal from Onigbongbo LCDA, said though they are loyal members of the party, they were not happy with the way the party was being run which could affect its chances in the 2027 elections.
“We are loyal members of the APC, but we are not happy with how things are going.
“The leadership at the state level is not doing well. If this continues, it will affect our chances in subsequent elections in Lagos State.”
He added that in the recently conducted council elections, there were lots of impositions in the processes leading to the emergence of chairmanship candidates in the last primaries.
“Candidates were imposed on party members over popular wishes by our leaders in Lagos.
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“There are moves to impose candidates in the appointments of council executives on newly sworn-in chairmen. We will resist this move.”
While reacting to the protest in an interaction with newsmen, the spokesperson of the party in the state, Seye Oladejo, said the party had noted the grievances of the protesters and assured that rules will be followed.
“Our attention has been drawn to the reported protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the constitution of local government cabinets.
“We wish to recognise, acknowledge and respect the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances democratically.
“Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.
“We wish to reassure that the selection of cabinet members for the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas will follow the laid down rules and the internal party guidelines, and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.
“Please note that the party at the state level only plays an advisory role. The party vehemently denies any allegation of imposing nomination on any local government.
“We want to advise interested members to approach their local leadership, who are the custodians of the powers to nominate.
“We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.
“We appeal for constructive participation and plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs. Our structures exist precisely to address dissent, evaluate claims, and foster unity.
“APC remains confident in its capacity to resolve internal issues without external escalation. Our ultimate goal is stability within both the party and the state governance structure.
“We trust our leadership at various levels to follow the guidelines and endeavour to be fair to all and sundry.
“We urge patience and understanding on the part of the protesters to achieve the desired objectives,” he stated.
Lagos APC members protest, demand the chairman’s removal, lament the current hardships faced by Nigerians, and threaten Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 if nothing changes.
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E go touch everybody
pic.twitter.com/XV8XtyjQ6L
— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) July 28, 2025
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