Lagos — Tension is mounting in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State as leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the alleged imposition of Bayo Adefuye as the party’s chairmanship candidate for the upcoming council elections.
In a protest letter to the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), party leaders across all nine wards described the decision as undemocratic and provocative. They argued that Adefuye lacks grassroots connection and political relevance in the community.
They warned that his imposition could damage the party’s credibility and spark unrest among loyal members, possibly affecting APC’s electoral fortunes in the LCDA.
Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing controversy, the United Action Democracy (UAD) has demanded an independent investigation and prosecution of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and APC officials allegedly involved in manipulating the council primaries.
At a press briefing in Lagos, UAD General Secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, condemned what he described as electoral fraud and abuse of public office. He called for the immediate suspension and arrest of the LASIEC chairman.
Ajayi further demanded international visa bans and sanctions against all officials implicated in the alleged manipulation, urging democratic nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and members of the European Union to take action.
“If these actions are not taken, this subversion of democracy could become a template for rigging in the 2027 elections,” Ajayi warned. “It threatens the very fabric of local governance and deepens public disillusionment with the democratic process.”
He called on civil society groups, political parties, and democracy advocates within and beyond Nigeria to resist the manipulation and support the fight for electoral justice and genuine local council autonomy.
When contacted, LASIEC’s Public Relations Officer, Tope Ojo, said he was not in a position to comment on the matter and failed to provide the commission chairman’s contact as promised.
