Tensions within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reached a boiling point on Monday as party members, under the banner of Concerned and Loyal APC Members, staged a protest outside the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Their demands centered on fair distribution of political appointments at the local government level and the immediate resignation of the state party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Protesters accused the party’s leadership of promoting nepotism, specifically alleging that key appointments have been monopolised by the Justice Forum (JF) faction.
This imbalance, they claimed, has led to growing frustration among grassroots supporters and threatens the unity of the party ahead of future elections.
At the heart of the protest was growing dissatisfaction with Pastor Ojelabi’s leadership, which the group says has been marked by poor management and electoral failures since he assumed office in 2021.
“The people’s votes, which put leaders in power, are not being respected; appointments are monopolised by a single faction,” said Sulaiman Agbaje, a protester from Alimosho.
The group further alleged that under Ojelabi’s tenure, the APC conducted what they called the “worst primary election” in the party’s history across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
They contrasted his leadership unfavorably with past party chairmen like Abiodun Ogunleye, Otunba Henry Ajomale, and Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, who were praised for inclusivity and stronger electoral performance.
In a striking claim, they stated: “For the first time since the advent of the Fourth Republic, the Ojelabi-led party lost Lagos State to the opposition in 2023!”
They also lamented the party’s weak showing in the recent local government elections, blaming the outcome on poor candidate selection and internal marginalisation.
Speaking on future implications, Bayode Taofeeq, a party member from Ikotun-Isheri, warned:
“We demand a 50/50 split or an equitable ratio of appointments between the Mandate and Justice Forum groups. This would ensure fairness and reflect the contributions of all party members.”
He emphasized that failure to address this internal crisis could severely damage the party’s prospects ahead of the critical 2027 general elections.
In their petition, read aloud by protest spokesperson Segun Faleye, the group accused Ojelabi and key allies, including Hon. James Faleke, of plotting to entrench a “winner-takes-all” system by manipulating local government executive selections.
“The members of the party are not happy. We are tired of his selfish leadership and the plot of his team to derail from the progressive ideals championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the group declared.
Despite their anger, the protesters reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and expressed support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
However, they were resolute in their call for urgent leadership change.
“Our prayer to the illustrious leaders of our party is to ask Pastor Ojelabi to leave the party NOW to avoid another imminent disaster in our party administration.”
They further called for leaders to allow constitutional officers to carry out their duties without interference from individuals with what they described as “selfish interests.”
The group concluded its address with a firm warning:
“Enough is Enough! Ojelabi and co. should take an honourable exit and allow our party to breathe in Lagos State.”
