Some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, operating under the umbrella of the APC Alimosho Federal Constituency Synergy Group (AFCSG), have rejected the candidates’ list released by the party leadership, insisting that the incumbent House of Representatives member, Ganiyu Ayuba, won the primary election conducted on May 16, 2026.
The group made its position known during a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, where its Coordinator, Idowu Martins, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that Ayuba’s alleged mandate is restored.
According to Martins, Ayuba secured 31,021 votes during the primary election and was declared winner at the collation centre, while his closest challenger, Olabisi Adebajo, polled 2,739 votes.
Martins maintained that the candidates’ list currently being circulated did not reflect the authentic outcome of the APC primary election, stressing that only the national leadership of the party in Abuja possesses the authority to officially announce and release recognised results.
He argued that Ayuba remains the popular choice among APC members in Alimosho Federal Constituency, adding that the constituency was witnessing the rise of one of its own as a representative in the National Assembly.
The group also appealed to the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, urging him not to allow personal interests to overshadow the wishes of party members.
Martins stated that members of the group remained committed to protecting the strength and unity of the APC within Alimosho Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said, “We want to say clearly that some people have been claiming they are closer to the President than we are, but the President is closer to the people, and we are the grassroots people. We are the ones who will mobilise and vote for the President in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. We appeal to the President to help us reclaim Ayuba’s mandate.
“We are trying to prevent our people from taking to the streets in protest, but if the right thing is not done by restoring Ayuba’s mandate, we will have no choice but to ensure our voices are heard.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Coordinator of the group, Donald Abuegbina, claimed that Ayuba had initially emerged as the party’s consensus candidate before APC leaders later directed members to proceed with a direct primary election.
Abuegbina explained that Ayuba’s supporters were mobilised across all wards within the constituency and alleged that video evidence exists showing the Returning Officer officially declaring Ayuba winner of the primary contest.
He urged the APC national leadership to ensure justice is served by recognising and restoring Ayuba’s alleged victory.
Meanwhile, the Iyaloja of Obadore Kingdom, Folashade Balogun, appealed to President Tinubu and the APC national leadership to intervene in the matter, describing Ayuba as a lawmaker who had supported market women with grants and other forms of financial assistance.
What you should know
The controversy surrounding the APC House of Representatives primary election in Alimosho Federal Constituency highlights growing internal tensions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of incumbent lawmaker Ganiyu Ayuba insist he legitimately won the primary election and accuse party leaders of altering the official outcome.
The dispute adds to a series of post-primary disagreements emerging across political parties in Nigeria, where allegations of manipulation, candidate substitution and internal interference continue to generate unrest among party members and supporters in different states and constituencies nationwide.
