A group of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State on Friday staged a protest at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja over the outcome of the party’s primary election for Agege Constituency I ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protesters, led by Johnson Kolawole, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the primary election held on May 20, 2026, alleging that the process was compromised to favour a particular aspirant. According to the group, the election results did not reflect the actual votes cast during the exercise, leading to what they described as an injustice against one of the contestants, Egunjobi Ganiyu Kola.
The aggrieved party members claimed that Kola secured victory in the primary election based on the votes recorded at the end of the exercise. However, they alleged that the results were subsequently manipulated, resulting in the recognition of another aspirant as the party’s candidate for the constituency.
Speaking during the protest, the group maintained that their demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of the APC national leadership to what they described as a serious threat to the party’s internal democratic principles. They argued that allowing the disputed outcome to stand could undermine confidence in the party’s electoral processes and discourage grassroots participation in future contests.
The protesters urged the party’s leadership to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the primary election and review all relevant documents and records associated with the exercise. They insisted that only a transparent examination of the process would restore confidence among members and ensure fairness for all aspirants who participated in the contest.
According to the group, internal democracy remains one of the foundations of any political party, and the APC must demonstrate its commitment to fairness by addressing the concerns raised by members. They argued that resolving the dispute in a transparent manner would help strengthen party cohesion and reassure members that their votes and participation matter.
The leaders also warned that unresolved grievances could generate dissatisfaction among party supporters in Agege and potentially affect the unity of the APC in the area as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. They stressed that many loyal members were closely watching how the party would respond to the allegations.
While reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the protesters said they were not seeking to create division within the party but rather to ensure that justice was served. They emphasized that their demand was for the recognition of what they described as the legitimate outcome of the primary election.
The development highlights the growing importance of party primaries in determining political representation ahead of major elections. Across the country, disputes arising from primary elections have often tested the ability of political parties to manage internal disagreements and maintain unity among members.
Political observers note that how the APC handles the Agege Constituency I dispute could influence perceptions of the party’s commitment to internal democracy. Transparent conflict resolution mechanisms, they argue, are essential for preserving trust among party members and preventing prolonged divisions.
As of the time of reporting, the APC national leadership had not publicly responded to the allegations raised by the protesting group. However, the demonstrators expressed hope that the party would intervene promptly and conduct a fair review of the contested primary election.
The protesters concluded by reiterating their call for justice, insisting that the outcome of the primary should reflect the genuine will of party members who participated in the exercise. They urged the party to protect the credibility of its internal electoral process and ensure that every aspirant receives fair treatment under the party’s rules and regulations.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the resolution of such disputes is expected to play a significant role in shaping party unity, grassroots support, and overall electoral preparedness within key constituencies across the country.
