Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege have urged the party leadership in Lagos State to investigate and discipline members accused of actions that could tarnish the party's image following recent primary elections. The group also expressed support for Oluwagbenga Abiola and Sule Enimakure as the party's candidates for Agege Constituencies I and II ahead of the 2027 elections.
Background of the Dispute
The call for action follows a protest by supporters of two unsuccessful aspirants, Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Azeez Yusuf, at the APC secretariat. The demonstrators challenged the primary results and demanded a review. In response, stakeholders accused certain individuals of attempting to undermine the democratic process by circulating forged and manipulated election results.
Stakeholders' Demands
Addressing journalists, Adegbenro Shodijo, speaking on behalf of concerned party leaders in Agege, stated that recent actions by some members had brought unwanted attention to the party. He said, “We call on the leadership of the party to urgently investigate the disturbing activities of certain individuals who allegedly engaged in the circulation of forged, manipulated, and coerced results in a desperate attempt to subvert the democratic process.” The stakeholders also criticized attacks on senior party figures by aggrieved members and urged the party to sanction any member found culpable according to the APC constitution.
Support for Abiola and Enimakure
The group commended the state APC leadership for upholding the primary results despite pressure from influential interests within Agege. They noted that Abiola's emergence reflected the wishes of grassroots members and demonstrated effective internal democracy. “The APC leadership deserves special commendation for refusing to bow to pressure from a few powerful forces within Agege who have over time attempted to create the impression that they solely own, control, and determine the destiny of the party structure,” Shodijo added.
Future Outlook
The stakeholders emphasized that party discipline is essential for unity and public confidence. They expressed confidence that Abiola and Enimakure can secure victory and provide effective representation. They urged members to rally behind the candidates and focus on strengthening the party for future elections, rather than prolonging disputes from the primaries.
