Crisis disrupts Lagos Mainland APC Representative Primary Election

As aggrieved members call for probe

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) held a House of Representatives primary election in Lagos Mainland on Saturday, but the process was marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, voter intimidation and disruptions at several polling sites.

Reports of disruption came from locations such as Apapa Road, Makoko, Iwaya and Adekunle, where party members and delegates claimed they were intimidated and prevented from participating freely.

Eyewitnesses and party members said that supporters of Kazeem Omolaja allegedly forced out participants and delegates who were believed to be loyal to aspirant Abdulhakeem Animashaun at the affected polling centres.

These incidents created tension and confusion, with aggrieved members accusing certain party leaders of attempting to manipulate the process in favour of a preferred candidate.

Supporters of Abdulhakeem Animashaun also alleged that loyalists of the local government chairman, identified only as Emilagba, compromised the credibility of the exercise through various forms of electoral malpractice.

The aggrieved members claimed that APC membership voter cards were not used during accreditation and voting, raising concerns about the transparency and credibility of the election.

After the exercise, some loyalists of Animashaun rejected the primary outcome, insisting that the process did not meet acceptable democratic standards.

“We reject whatever outcome emerges from today’s election because the process was flawed and manipulated,” one supporter said during the protest.

Party members called on APC leadership to investigate the allegations and ensure justice for all aspirants and their supporters.

Security personnel were deployed to some of the affected centres to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation.

At the time of reporting, the APC leadership in Lagos Mainland had not issued an official statement regarding the allegations or the disruptions that marred the exercise.

The incident has raised concerns among party faithful about the credibility of the party’s internal electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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