All Progressives Congress (APC) members from across Lagos State’s 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Ikeja today, demanding the immediate removal of the party’s state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi. They carried placards emblazoned with messages such as “Ojelabi Must Go” and “We Want Fresh Leadership”.
The demonstrators identified themselves as grassroots representatives from all 57 LCDAs in the state.
They criticized Ojelabi’s leadership for allegedly weakening party structures, undermining internal democracy, and alienating core members.
One protester, Tunde Afolayan from Mushin LCDA, stated:
>The chairman has failed to carry party members along. We need a leader who will listen to us and strengthen the APC ahead of 2027.”
Another protester, Mrs. Bisi Olabode (Eti‑Osa East LCDA), stressed:
>Grassroots politics is the soul of Lagos APC. If you remove that, you have nothing left.”
Many accuse the party leadership under Ojelabi of nepotism, highlighting how Justice Forum members reportedly dominate political appointments, sidelining other factions.
Protesters blamed Ojelabi for electoral setbacks, alleging that mismanagement of the 2025 local government elections contributed to the party’s poor performance in Lagos, including a historic loss in 2023.
They called for equitable distribution of appointments and an end to candidate imposition by powerful party actors.
A heavy police presence was deployed around the Assembly complex to maintain order, prevent escalation, and ensure the protest remained peaceful.
Mr. Segun Falae, convenor of the protest, affirmed their loyalty to the APC while demanding leadership reform:
>We are simply exercising our democratic rights… The party needed leadership free from the interference of selfish political actors.”
The Lagos APC issued a statement denying the allegations of imposition and asserted its commitment to internal democratic processes, dismissing protest claims as baseless.
Inside the Assembly, Solomon Bonu (Badagry I) acknowledged their petition and promised a formal review by lawmakers.
Internal Party Democracy Under Stress: The protest highlights internal discontent within the APC over how leadership decisions are made and how power is distributed.
Electoral Implications: With the 2027 elections approaching, protestors fear that unchecked leadership could lead to further electoral losses in Lagos.
Factional Tensions: The conflict underscores growing influence of party factions like the Justice Forum and potential alienation of grassroots actors.
