Internal tensions have erupted within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as party members staged a high-profile protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on July 28, 2025, calling for the immediate removal of state chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Chants of “Ojelabi must go” echoed through Alausa, Ikeja, as demonstrators—reportedly drawn from all 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos—marched to demand leadership change.
They carried placards etched with bold slogans such as “We Want Fresh Leadership” and directed their grievances squarely at Ojelabi’s style of governance.
The protesters, largely aligned with the Mandate Group, accused Ojelabi of sidelining grassroots members, making unilateral decisions, and weakening party cohesion across local governments.
Their statement characterized the APC under his leadership as “rudderless,” with allegations of favoritism toward specific internal factions and skewed distribution of council appointments and executive roles .
Notable excerpts from their scathing letter called attention to alleged manipulation during the 2025 local government primaries and prodded party officials to act urgently. Comparisons were drawn with previous chairmen—such as Abiodun Ogunleye and Henry Ajomale—who were praised for more inclusive leadership practices.
A significant security presence, including armed police officers and Nigeria Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh, was deployed to maintain peace and prevent escalation during the demonstration. Despite the large turnout, the protest remained orderly with no reported clashes or breaches of public peace .
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Political analysts believe the protest signals deeper fractures ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially affecting Lagos APC’s prospects.
Members warn that if internal divisions persist, the party risks repeating setbacks suffered in past elections and jeopardizing President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, as well as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ blueprint .
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