Tension in Lagos APC as Obasa Faces Backlash Over Alleged Candidate Imposition

With the countdown to the July 2025 local government elections in Lagos State underway, growing internal discontent is threatening to fracture the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government Area, following moves by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to allegedly impose his preferred candidates for the polls.

At the heart of the controversy is Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where grassroots party members and political stakeholders are expressing deep dissatisfaction over what they describe as an undemocratic attempt to bypass the internal selection process.

The Speaker’s perceived efforts to install loyalists without due recourse to party primaries have ignited unrest within the local party structure.

Party Members Decry Lack of Internal Democracy

Several party loyalists, particularly those who have served as mobilizers and community coordinators over the years, say they feel sidelined and disrespected.

They accuse the Speaker of wielding his political influence to dictate candidates, thereby stifling healthy competition and discouraging merit-based participation.

“We have worked tirelessly for the APC at the grassroots for years, and now we are being treated like we don’t matter,” a local party leader said. “The party must uphold internal democracy, or we risk losing everything we’ve built.”

There are growing fears that the alleged imposition of candidates could cripple party unity in the LCDA.

Multiple sources suggest that disgruntled members may resort to protest votes, withdrawal of support, or even alignment with opposition parties if the situation is not addressed.

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Calls for Intervention from State and Federal APC Leadership

Stakeholders across Orile-Agege are calling on the Lagos State APC leadership and the Presidency to urgently step in and curb the growing authoritarianism perceived within the party’s local structures.

They warn that if left unchecked, Obasa’s actions could undermine the APC’s dominance and electoral fortunes in the upcoming council elections.

“This is not just about Agege or Orile-Agege. This is about the soul of the APC and the principles it claims to stand for,” said a youth representative in the LCDA. “If the Speaker insists on hijacking the process, it will backfire.”

The Path to Reconciliation

To salvage the situation, concerned party members are urging Rt. Hon. Obasa to reverse course and allow a transparent, fair, and inclusive primary process to take place.

They insist that only the most popular and competent aspirants, chosen by the people, should fly the APC flag in the July elections.

“The future of the party in Orile-Agege hangs in the balance,” a former councillor in the area warned. “The Speaker must demonstrate leadership by listening to the people and respecting the democratic ethos of the APC.”

Observers note that the upcoming primaries will serve as a litmus test for the APC’s commitment to democratic values and could significantly shape its performance in the local government polls across Lagos State.

Unless decisive action is taken to address the festering discontent, analysts warn that the APC may face a crisis of confidence in one of its traditional strongholds—a scenario that could have wider implications ahead of future state and national elections.