A group of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State staged a peaceful demonstration at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, voicing their opposition to what they described as an attempt to impose political appointees across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The demonstrators also called for the immediate removal of the APC State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, accusing him of presiding over a process that lacks transparency and fairness. The protest, which drew large crowds believed to represent all 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state, saw participants chanting slogans and raising placards with bold messages such as “Ojelabi Must Go” and “We Want Fresh Leadership.”
Beginning in the early hours of the day, the protest quickly drew public attention, prompting the deployment of numerous police officers around the Assembly premises to maintain order and prevent any potential unrest.
In response to the protest, Lagos State Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat visited the Assembly complex to address the situation. Speaking to reporters and protesters at the scene, he described the matter as an internal party issue and assured the public that it would be resolved through proper party channels in due time.
According to Deputy Governor Hamzat, “The issue at hand is within the party structure, and necessary steps will be taken to address all concerns raised.”
Despite the tensions, the demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or property damage. The protesters dispersed calmly following the deputy governor’s remarks, though many reiterated their stance, insisting that the current state leadership of the party must change for internal democracy to thrive.
What You Should Know
This protest underscores internal strife within the Lagos State chapter of the APC. The aggrieved members are rejecting what they believe to be top-down imposition of political appointees, a move they say threatens grassroots democracy.
Their call for the removal of State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi signals a growing rift within the party’s local structures.
Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat’s intervention shows the state’s sensitivity to maintaining order, but also highlights the urgency for party leadership to address grievances before they escalate further.
