Aggrieved APC Members Protest Primary Election Results at Lagos Secretariat

Aggrieved APC Members Protest Primary Election Results at Lagos Secretariat

The Lagos State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Acme, Ikeja, continues to witness a steady flow of protests from aggrieved party members expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome of the party's primary election held on Saturday.

The protest, which has now entered another day, drew members and selected delegates from across several local government areas including Badagry West, Mushin, Lagos Island, Amuwo-Odofin, Itire-Ikate, Ikoyi-Obalende, and Coker-Aguda.

Leading the delegation from Badagry West, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole urged the APC Appeal Committee to critically review their petition and ensure justice is served. He stated that the majority of the delegates from the council voted for Princess Oluremi Funmi Nutayi, yet were shocked to find that she recorded zero votes in the announced results.

Bankole described the process as flawed and alleged that the true will of the delegates was manipulated. “The candidate we supported was ready to accept defeat in good faith if the process had been free, fair, and credible. But the announced result shows a clear case of rigging,” he said.

He added that the disenfranchisement has demoralized both the aspirant and her supporters, warning that the APC may struggle to garner votes in Badagry West during the July 12 local government elections if the issue is not addressed.

Expressing confidence in the Mr. Lawal Pedro-led Appeal Committee, Bankole noted, “We believe in their integrity and hope the evidence we have provided will guide their judgment.”

Also speaking on behalf of aggrieved members in Mushin, Hon. Yusuf Qadri Temitope emphasized that their protest was not against the party but aimed at rejecting the imposition of unpopular candidates. He alleged that leaders in Mushin ignored the democratic process by handpicking delegates, effectively excluding voices from the ten wards that make up the council.

According to him, the outgoing chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Bamigboye, held a private meeting where delegate names were selected without broader consultation, denying members a fair chance to participate in the primaries.

“Mushin has many qualified aspirants who were ready to serve, but the party leadership imposed a candidate that does not represent the will of the people,” Temitope stated.

Protesters carried placards with messages such as:
“We Say No to Open Imposition of Candidates,”
“President Tinubu, Save Our Party from Another Defeat,”
“Return the Mandate to the Choice of the People,” and
“APC Must Show the Beauty of Democracy for Others to Follow.”

Recall that Barr. Babatunde Ogala, Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, had earlier announced that the Appeal Committee would begin its sittings immediately to address complaints and petitions arising from the primary election.

As the committee continues its work, stakeholders across the affected councils are hoping for a fair resolution that will restore confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes.