The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has threatened a protest over the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State, alleging irregularities and factional bias in the process.
The warning was issued on Wednesday during a meeting with market leaders in Alausa, Ikeja, where she accused party stakeholders of manipulating the process in favour of a particular bloc.
Iyaloja-General Rejects Lagos APC Primary Results
Tinubu-Ojo specifically faulted the outcome of the APC primaries in Mushin Federal Constituency 2, Agege Constituency 2 and Ojokoro constituencies, insisting that the results did not reflect the true outcome of the contests.
She alleged that the exercise was influenced by internal party divisions, particularly between the Justice Forum and Mandate Group within the Lagos APC structure.
The Lagos State APC had earlier released its list of candidates for the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections, with 24 House of Reps candidates and 40 Assembly candidates emerging from the primaries.
Calls for Urgent Party Review
Tinubu-Ojo urged APC leadership at both state and national levels to investigate the disputed primaries before final ratification of the results.
She warned that failure to address the grievances could worsen internal tensions and deepen divisions within the ruling party in Lagos State.
According to her, “We are ready to protest because of Seye Oladejo of Mushin Federal Constituency 02, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo of Agege 2 constituency, Olotu Ojo of Ojokoro constituency, because we know they won this election. Their mandate should not be given to somebody else.”
She added that rising factional influence within the party was undermining unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Factional Politics in APC Lagos
Tinubu-Ojo also criticised what she described as increasing alignment of party members with the Justice Forum due to perceived political advantage, warning that such developments could weaken internal democracy.
She said, “We have to cry out now. Let APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums. We are one family. We are for APC.”
She further stressed that leadership must ensure fairness across all factions, noting that political office holders must carry all stakeholders along once elected.
Market Women Reaffirm Support
The Iyaloja-General reaffirmed the support of market women across Lagos for APC candidates while insisting that traders deserve greater recognition and inclusion in governance and political appointments.
The dispute adds to ongoing tensions within the Lagos APC over primaries and factional loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.