A political crisis is unfolding within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the July 12 local government elections, as tensions mount over alleged attempts to impose candidates. Dozens of chairmanship aspirants and party stakeholders across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as an undemocratic process.

The discontent follows the release of election guidelines by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), which scheduled the polls to fill 57 chairmanship positions across 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. While the APC has promoted consensus candidacy as a strategy to streamline its primaries, critics argue it has been hijacked by party elites to handpick loyalists.

Lagos LG Poll: APC Calls for Peace, Unity Among Aspirants

According to reports, internal screening committees—formed by APC leaders in multiple councils—have recommended consensus candidates without transparent input from the broader party base. In Ojokoro LCDA, for instance, Mobolaji Sanusi was announced as the consensus candidate by the Ojokoro Apex Council. However, a rival faction subsequently declared Rosiji Yemisi as its preferred candidate, deepening the conflict.

Sources allege that Sanusi’s endorsement was influenced by high-ranking party officials, including Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Critics argue that Sanusi lacks local electoral history and warn that his imposition could damage the party’s grassroots support in Ojokoro.

Ojokoro APC Leaders Back Sanusi as Consensus Candidate for LG Polls

A similar controversy has erupted in Yaba LCDA, where a coalition of concerned residents and stakeholders accused party leaders of attempting to replace the top scorer in the screening, William Babatunde (85%), with Babatunde Ojo (65%), who ranked 11th among 14 aspirants. The coalition, led by Amoo Ismail, petitioned First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu, urging intervention to stop what they described as a repeat of politically motivated impositions.

“It is unjust for a single individual to override the will of the community,” the petition read. “We call for an inclusive, transparent selection process that reflects the true will of the people.”

Political tension has also surfaced online. Opeyemi Ahmed, spokesperson for the outgoing Agboyi-Ketu LCDA chairman, Dele Osinowo, warned on Facebook (in a now-deleted post) that imposition could cost the APC support in 2027. “Tinubu needs to win Lagos, but if names are being written at the top under the guise of consensus, we risk losing everything,” Ahmed wrote.

Veteran APC chieftain, Fouad Oki, issued a public letter warning that failure to uphold internal democracy could sabotage not only the upcoming council elections but also future general elections. “Unity forged under injustice is brittle,” Oki warned, urging the party to abandon “the politics of imposition.”

In response, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, dismissed the allegations. He insisted that the primary process was still ongoing and that consensus remained a constitutionally accepted and historically effective method for minimizing post-primary disputes.

“Where consensus is reached, it will be affirmed. Where it is not, primaries will proceed. Nobody is being imposed on anyone,” Oladejo said, emphasizing the party’s commitment to internal democracy and conflict resolution.

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area (LGA), one of Lagos State’s most vibrant and strategically located urban centers, is experiencing a remarkable era of transformation under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Otunba Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede. Known for its bustling markets, transport interchanges, and rich cultural tapestry, Oshodi-Isolo has long been central to the commercial heartbeat of Lagos. Today, that legacy is being expanded with a fresh wave of infrastructural, social, and economic development.

About Oshodi-Isolo LGA

Established in 1976, Oshodi-Isolo is located in western Lagos, bordered by Ikeja, Mushin, Amuwo-Odofin, and Alimosho LGAs. It encompasses prominent communities such as Oshodi, Isolo, Mafoluku, Ajao Estate, Ilasamaja, Okota, and parts of Ejigbo. With a diverse population that includes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and immigrants from West Africa, the LGA reflects the multicultural dynamism of Lagos itself.

Oshodi-Isolo is a major commercial and transportation hub. The area houses the Oshodi Transport Interchange, one of the largest in West Africa, and is renowned for markets like the Oshodi Market, which supports thousands of traders daily. Despite its economic vibrancy, the area has historically faced urban challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, and housing pressure—issues that have begun to see improvement under current leadership.

Leadership and Achievements of Chairman Kehinde Oloyede

Since assuming office on August 1, 2021, Otunba Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has committed to redefining governance at the grassroots. His administration has taken bold steps to address longstanding issues in infrastructure, education, health, and community development. With a focus on transparency, inclusiveness, and execution, he has positioned Oshodi-Isolo as one of the most progressive LGAs in Lagos.

Infrastructure Development

Oloyede’s tenure has seen the construction of over 50 roads, linking neighborhoods and easing internal mobility. These projects have tackled flood-prone zones with proper drainage systems and improved street lighting to enhance safety at night.

Water Projects

Clean water access has expanded significantly, with water projects executed in more than 45 streets. These efforts contribute to better hygiene, reduce water-borne diseases, and alleviate the stress of sourcing potable water in underserved areas.

Educational Support

Education remains a cornerstone of the Oloyede administration. The construction of an ultra-modern block of classrooms at St. Paul Primary School, Mafoluku, demonstrates a commitment to quality learning environments. His government has also distributed free school uniforms, books, and bags, and provided transportation for schoolchildren to support low-income families.

Healthcare Initiatives

A new standard Primary Healthcare Centre is under construction to boost access to basic health services. In addition, existing clinics are being upgraded, and awareness campaigns have focused on preventive care and maternal health.

Youth Empowerment and Social Welfare

Partnering with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the LGA has delivered skill acquisition programs and vocational training for young people. His administration has also distributed palliative support to over 30,000 households, particularly during challenging economic periods.

Lagos LG Poll: APC Calls for Peace, Unity Among Aspirants

Recognition and Community Engagement

Chairman Oloyede’s performance has not gone unnoticed. In March 2025, civic organizations and media outlets acknowledged his excellence in local governance, citing him as a model for LGAs across Nigeria. He has also emphasized participatory governance, recently hosting a stakeholders’ forum for the 2025 budget, inviting residents to contribute ideas directly to development planning.

A Vision for the Future

With continued focus on transparency, infrastructure, and empowerment, Otunba Oloyede’s administration is setting the stage for a smarter, more livable Oshodi-Isolo. The transformation happening in markets, schools, and streets reflects a leadership that listens and acts—and a community ready to rise with it.

As Lagos State continues its broader push for urban renewal and inclusive growth, Oshodi-Isolo under Chairman Oloyede stands as a shining example of grassroots governance that delivers.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has called for peace and unity among chairmanship and councillorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary elections scheduled for May 10. The primaries will take place across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the APC state secretariat in Ikeja. Chairman of the Lagos APC Election Committee, Babatunde Ogala, appealed to aspirants to consider adopting consensus candidates where possible, stressing that it would foster internal harmony and ensure a peaceful primary process.

“For the sake of unity and a rancour-free primary, we encourage aspirants to dialogue among themselves and reach a consensus where feasible,” Ogala said.

He also announced that, for logistical reasons, the chairmanship primaries will be conducted at the APC secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja. Only chairmanship aspirants and one accredited agent each will be granted access to the venue.

LG Polls: APC Aspirants Reject Imposition Plot, Demand Fair Play

Ogala further clarified that only accredited delegates, aspirants, and their agents will be allowed entry into the primary election grounds, ensuring a controlled and transparent process.

He noted that the screening of aspirants had been thorough and urged all contestants to approach the election with a spirit of sportsmanship.

“This is not a do-or-die affair. The strength of the APC lies in its unity and commitment to due process,” Ogala emphasized.