A heated confrontation erupted on Tuesday between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, following protests over the outcome of the recently concluded local government primaries.
Dozens of APC members, chanting slogans and carrying placards, gathered at the entrance of the Lagos Assembly complex in Alausa, decrying what they alleged was a manipulated and undemocratic selection process in their local councils. Protesters accused key party leaders, including Obasa, of influencing candidate selections to favour loyalists and sidelining popular aspirants.
The demonstration turned tense when Speaker Obasa arrived at the Assembly and attempted to address the crowd. Protesters shouted him down, accusing him of betrayal and demanding internal party reforms. Security personnel were swiftly deployed to de-escalate the confrontation and prevent a breakdown of order.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, Obasa denied any wrongdoing and described the protest as “misguided.” He maintained that the primaries were conducted in line with party guidelines and accused disgruntled aspirants of attempting to discredit the process out of frustration.
“These outbursts are unfortunate,” he said. “It is the responsibility of every committed party member to accept the outcomes in good faith or follow due process if aggrieved. We cannot build a party on chaos.”
Party insiders say the dispute centers on candidate selections in local government areas such as Agege and Alimosho, where some aspirants allege that imposed candidates were favoured over those who won popular support.
The Lagos APC leadership has yet to issue an official statement, but sources suggest the party may convene an emergency reconciliation meeting in the coming days to address mounting discontent ahead of the LG elections.
Observers warn that internal strife, if unresolved, could weaken the APC’s local base in Lagos, a state long considered its stronghold.
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