The political landscape in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State has been thrown into chaos, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are raising alarm over what they describe as a desperate and undemocratic power grab ahead of the party’s local government primaries.
Tensions reached a boiling point after the controversial disqualification of Ganiu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. Ganiu, who had been a frontrunner in the race, was abruptly ruled out of the contest under circumstances that many describe as politically motivated and suspiciously timed.
As supporters of Obasa’s camp were still reeling from the shock, the incumbent chairman, Alhaji Ganiu Egunjobi, reportedly made an emergency dash to the APC State Secretariat, where he allegedly paid ₦13 million—nearly three times the stipulated ₦5 million—for an expression of interest form for Alhaji Azeez Tunde Disco. Party insiders claim this move was not only irregular but also smacks of financial manipulation and influence-peddling.
The drama took a further bizarre twist when Alhaji Azeez Tunde Disco, a 67-year-old figure previously unknown in the current political equation, suddenly appeared as a candidate. Insiders allege that Disco, who currently serves as the APC chairman in Agege Local Government, was “smuggled” into the race through backdoor dealings.
According to sources, Alhaji Disco had no formal entry into the contest and was never considered a contender until recently. Even more controversially, he was reportedly issued a secondary school certificate under questionable circumstances after public outcry over his primary six certificate, which had initially raised eyebrows over his eligibility.
“This is not democracy. This is imposition at its highest level,” one party chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, fumed. “How can a man who never showed interest in the race suddenly become the anointed candidate?”
The chaos has led to a widespread outcry from APC aspirants and grassroots party members in Agege, many of whom have accused powerful figures of hijacking the selection process. There is growing concern that the crisis could fracture the party’s unity ahead of the elections and alienate loyal supporters.
Amidst the growing tension, many within the APC are making a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in. Describing him as the “father of modern Nigerian democracy,” they say only his timely intervention can prevent what they call a looming political disaster in Agege.
“President Tinubu built the foundation of the APC. He must not allow injustice and impunity to destroy the legacy he has spent decades building,” another party elder warned.
As the political storm continues to rage, one thing is clear: the road to the APC primaries in Agege is anything but smooth—and the battle for the chairmanship may yet become a national test for the soul of grassroots democracy.
