The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos has allegedly been plunged into crisis following allegations of a manipulated primary election process that has left party members and aspirants in outrage.
Fifteen aspirants under the APC banner have rejected the outcome of what they described as a “kangaroo primary,” claiming that no actual election was held.
According to the aggrieved aspirants, there were no delegates, no accreditation and no voting, a stark violation of the party’s democratic principles.
At the center of the controversy is the emergence of Mr. Lateef Ashimi as the party’s candidate.
The aspirants allege that Ashimi, an unfamiliar figure within Somolu’s political landscape, was imposed on the party by the outgoing Local Government Chairman, Mr. Abdul Hamed Salawu (popularly known as Dullar), with the backing of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a House of Representatives member from Ikeja Federal Constituency.
“This is not the choice of Somolu. It is a clear case of imposition orchestrated by a few individuals who have no regard for the democratic process,” one of the aggrieved aspirants said.
The situation has escalated with allegations of intimidation against Mr. Dullar, who is accused of threatening local supervisors and staff with salary withholding if they refuse to support Mr. Ashimi.
The development has sparked fears of a broader attempt to take over Somolu’s APC structure by external political interests linked to Kogi State.
In a joint statement, the fifteen aspirants demanded the immediate nullification of Mr. Ashimi’s candidacy and the conduct of a fresh, transparent primary election.
They also called for an independent investigation into the roles played by Mr. Dullar and Hon. Faleke in the disputed process.
The crisis in Somolu’s APC has raised concerns within the party’s leadership, with party faithful warning that failure to address the situation could erode confidence in the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
As of the time of this report, neither Mr. Dullar nor Hon. Faleke has responded to the allegations.
The APC National Working Committee is also yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy.