A fresh political crisis is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, as prominent party leaders have openly rejected the outcome of the recently conducted congress.
The aggrieved stakeholders made their position known through a petition addressed to the state chairman of the party, accusing certain individuals of undermining internal democracy and destabilising the party’s structure at the grassroots.
Signatories to the petition include several influential ward leaders and political figures across the local government, who collectively expressed dissatisfaction with both the conduct and final outcome of the exercise.
The group is demanding an immediate review of the congress and the adoption of a previously agreed harmonised list of local government and ward executives, which they say had earlier received approval from the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the petitioners, stakeholders from all 14 wards had reached a consensus on a unified list aimed at fostering unity and strengthening the party. However, they alleged that the final outcome deviated from that agreement due to what they described as the imposition of a new list by external influences.
They further warned against any attempt by elected officials or individuals to override grassroots decisions, stressing that such actions threaten party cohesion and internal democracy.
The leaders also raised concerns about ongoing internal disruptions, including the alleged suppression of party meetings, which they claim is part of a broader effort to weaken the party from within.
Among their key demands are the recognition of the authentic harmonised list approved at the national level, strict adherence to due process, and a clear directive from the state leadership prohibiting the imposition of party executives.
They cautioned that failure to address these grievances could have serious consequences for the APC’s unity and electoral prospects in the local government.
Reacting to the development, the party’s Publicity Secretary acknowledged that the leadership is aware of complaints emerging from some areas and assured members that efforts are underway to resolve all issues.
He urged party members to remain patient, noting that established mechanisms are being deployed to address the concerns and restore stability within the party.