Lagos East APC in turmoil as parties sound alarm ahead of 2027

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East Senatorial District have raised concern over internal divisions within the party, warning that continued infighting could weaken its chances in the 2027 general elections.

The Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, alongside the Chairman of the Lagos State APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, made the call for unity at the Lagos East Senatorial District Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.

Abiru acknowledged that factional disputes exist within the district and urged party leaders to initiate a reconciliation process to resolve lingering grievances among aggrieved members. He stressed that unity was crucial as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party must close ranks to secure a second-term mandate for President Bola Tinubu, noting that the President had taken bold and difficult decisions which, he said, were beginning to yield economic stability for the country. He argued that these efforts justify the call for continuity.

In his remarks, Ojelabi described Lagos East as a district rich in committed party members who have continued to strengthen the APC. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a decline in discipline among leaders and members, stressing that indiscipline could undermine collective progress.

“Discipline is fundamental to what we are doing; without it, we will achieve nothing,” Ojelabi said. “The race for 2027 has already begun, and as a party we are determined to make sacrifices and deepen internal democracy. Unity and cohesion are essential, and we must learn to manage our differences. Members should settle their disputes,” he added.

He also urged council chairmen and party leaders across the district to mobilise residents to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise to strengthen the party’s grassroots base.

Former Senator representing Lagos East, Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, cautioned the party against complacency, drawing lessons from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which once claimed it would rule Nigeria for 60 years but lost power after 16 years.

“We must avoid complacency and remain vigilant,” Mamora warned. “Members should support leaders, and leaders must also fulfil their responsibilities to party members,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of council chairmen in the district, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Chairman of Conference 57, Abdullahi Sesan-Olowa, lamented that internal wrangling had stalled political progress in Lagos East.

“We are far from where we should be politically in Lagos East. As council chairmen, we need to re-strategise, remain united and foster mutual understanding,” he said.

The meeting was attended by members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, members of the House of Representatives including Wale Raji and Kafilat Ogbara, Lagos State House of Assembly members from Lagos East, council chairmen from the five local governments in the district, and members of the Lagos State Executive Council from Lagos East.