Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have expressed strong opposition to the purported imposition of Bayo Adefuye as the party’s candidate for chairmanship in the upcoming council elections, citing his insufficient political background and lack of community engagement. In a formal protest letter directed to the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), the party leaders characterized this action as ‘undemocratic, provocative, and a blatant disregard for the people’s will.’ The letter, co-signed by representatives from all nine wards within the LCDA, warned that such an imposition could undermine the party’s integrity and incite discontent among dedicated members. They cautioned that the selection of Adefuye could threaten the party’s credibility and electoral prospects in the region.
Meanwhile, in response to the protests surrounding the APC council primary election, the United Action Democracy (UAD) has called for an independent investigation and prosecution of all officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the party implicated in electoral manipulation. During a media briefing yesterday, General Secretary of the UAD, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, stated that failure to take prompt action would jeopardize the integrity of the democratic process and establish a perilous precedent for future elections. The UAD has demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of the LASIEC chairman for collusion in electoral fraud and abuse of public office, alongside a call for an independent investigation and prosecution of all LASIEC and APC officials involved in the manipulation of the primary election.
He stated, “We are also advocating for visa restrictions and international sanctions against the chairman of LASIEC and all officials involved, which includes barring entry into the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), and other democratic nations.
“We urge all other parties to unite against LASIEC and the anticipated fraudulent elections that are forthcoming. Should these measures not be implemented, UAD cautions that this undermining of democracy could establish a precedent for electoral fraud in the 2027 elections and further distance Nigerians from engaging in democratic processes.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to uncover, contest, and oppose all forms of anti-democratic practices. We invite all advocates of democracy, both within Nigeria and abroad, to participate in this fight. Furthermore, we assert that the autonomy of local councils and democracy, as it stands, has been a facade. For us, there is no hope for an improved future for our democracy.”
However, when reached for comment, the Public Relations Officer of LASIEC, Tope Ojo, indicated that he was unable to address the matter without the commission’s chairman. He did not provide the chairman’s contact information as promised at the time of this report.
