Leading up to the forthcoming local council elections next year, factions within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are engaged in intense maneuvers to gain dominance, threatening the party’s unity and governance effectiveness in the state. KEHINDE OLATUNJI investigates.
Despite outward displays of unity among members of the Lagos APC, internal rivalries are escalating as factions jockey for position ahead of the 2025 council polls and the 2027 gubernatorial election. The absence of President Bola Tinubu, who had been the party’s linchpin for nearly 25 years until assuming the presidency last year, has emboldened ambitious members to disrupt established party dynamics for personal gain.
This internal strife is beginning to impact governance, posing distractions for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who strives to maintain neutrality and accommodate all factions within his administration.
Despite the Governance Advisory Council’s (GAC) 2020 proscription of internal cleavages, these factions have not only persisted but are actively expanding their memberships in preparation for the impending political contests.
The traditional contest between the Mandate Group and Justice Forum for control over Lagos APC is now complicated by newer entrants like The Ideal and Asiwaju Solidarity Movement (ASM), which are emerging as influential forces fielding candidates for upcoming elections.
Recent events, such as the altercation at the party’s Ogba secretariat involving aggrieved members from Alimosho Federal Constituency, highlight the depth of these internal conflicts. The incident, where State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi was reportedly assaulted, underscores the tensions within the party, exacerbated by the shifting allegiances following the exit of former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
Key figures like Abdullahi Enilolobo, a prominent loyalist of Aregbesola within the Mandate Group, are vying for leadership roles in Alimosho, challenging the influence of figures like Adefulire Orelope, aligned with ASM.
Moreover, beyond the Mandate Group’s internal divisions, there is a broader rivalry between them and the Justice Forum for control over Alimosho, the largest Federal Constituency in Lagos. This discord has ramifications across the state, splintering the Lagos APC membership.
Adding complexity, the Mandate Group appears to be backing the incumbent Speaker of the State Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as a potential successor to Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2027, while the Justice Forum leans towards supporting the incumbent Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, for the same position.
While these rivalries may appear superficial, they are deeply divisive and distracting Governor Sanwo-Olu from focusing on governance issues, given the deep involvement of figures like Hamzat and Obasa in local politics.
Efforts to reconcile these factions, such as Ojelabi’s invitation to ASM and BATCO Movement for peace talks, have been marred by controversy, particularly due to perceived exclusion of The Mandate Movement (TMM). This exclusion sparked protests at the party secretariat, reflecting the discontent among certain caucus members.
The ensuing confrontation between Ojelabi and protesters further strained relations, prompting criticisms of his handling of the situation. Party members expressed disappointment over Ojelabi’s dismissive approach towards the grievances raised, underscoring broader dissatisfaction within the party.
Despite allegations of mishandling the situation, party spokesman Seye Oladejo dismissed the protesters as thugs, emphasizing the party’s commitment to resolving disputes within established norms. He reiterated that the APC in Lagos State values discipline and adherence to party guidelines, underscoring the need for peaceful coexistence among members.
In response to the incident, a fact-finding committee has been established to investigate the violent acts at the party secretariat, affirming the party’s stance against indiscipline and intolerance.
While tensions persist, the party secretary M.A. Jokomba’s directive on the formation of investigative committees underscores the party’s intent to address internal conflicts responsibly and uphold the unity of its members. Despite challenges, Oladejo reassured that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving internal disputes through constitutional means, urging members to disregard misinformation and support the party’s unity efforts.
As the Lagos APC navigates these internal challenges, the path to the 2025 elections and beyond remains fraught with uncertainties, requiring strategic leadership and concerted efforts to maintain party cohesion amid competing interests.
Guardian