Crisis Brews in Lagos APC as Aspirants Reject Consensus, Demand Justice Over N2 Billion Form Sales
By HeadlineNews.News Special Investigative Team.
Tension has erupted within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following an abrupt shift from direct primaries to consensus candidacy in the upcoming local government elections, sparking widespread anger among chairmanship aspirants and party loyalists.
According to credible sources, the party sold over 450 chairmanship nomination forms at ₦5 million each, raking in over ₦2 billion from hopeful aspirants across the state. However, at a stakeholders’ meeting held on May 7, party leaders urged members to adopt a consensus model, just days ahead of the May 10 primaries.
The announcement has triggered outrage, with many aspirants alleging that the move constitutes financial exploitation and political betrayal, particularly after incurring significant campaign expenses based on the initial promise of free and fair primaries.
“If the leadership already knew they were going to select their preferred candidates through consensus, why did they sell forms to us in the first place?” one aggrieved aspirant lamented. “People sold property, borrowed funds, and spent millions on logistics.”
The backlash extends to ward leaders and grassroots members, who insist the move represents imposition rather than genuine consensus.
“This is not consensus, it is imposition,” a ward leader in Alimosho said. “Consensus requires mutual agreement, not handpicking candidates after collecting billions.”
Timeline of Controversy
April 2025: APC announces direct primaries for LG elections
450+ aspirants purchase forms at ₦5 million each
May 7: Party leaders announce shift to consensus at stakeholders’ meeting
May 10: Scheduled primary date remains uncertain
Potential Legal and Political Fallout
Insiders say the abrupt policy change has thrown many local government areas into internal chaos, with some aspirants threatening legal action, public protest, and mass defection. There are also rising fears of voter apathy and internal sabotage in the lead-up to the July 12 LG elections.
“This is a test of the APC’s internal democracy,” noted political analyst Chike Eze. “The leadership must address this transparently or risk long-term damage to party unity and credibility.”
Party Leaders Stand Firm
Despite the storm, party leaders insist that the consensus model promotes unity, reduces post-primary litigation, and is in the best interest of the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Consensus has always been part of our democratic framework,” a senior party official said. “This is about peace, not profit.”
Next Steps: Refunds or Resolution?
With pressure mounting, aspirants are demanding either an immediate refund of nomination fees or the conduct of the originally scheduled direct primaries.
“We will not accept imposition. If there is no fairness, there will be resistance,” said a spokesperson for a coalition of aggrieved aspirants.
As of press time, the Lagos APC leadership has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the calls for refund or alternative resolutions.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Stay with HeadlineNews.News for continued updates, reactions, and exclusive interviews from key party stakeholders.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
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” Crisis in Lagos APC: Aspirants Demand Refund as Consensus Sparks Outrage” it is a pity that things took the turn for the worse. The committee should implement damage control immediately and nip the crisis in the bud. If need be, reschedule the elections as this is the foundation for Lagos 2027. It must be a free & fair contest for the best interest of democracy. We hope they move to address this crisis immediately. All eyes are on Lagos. Stakeholders are advised to put the interest of Lagos above personal interest. Dr. Fraser. MFR, the National Patriots.
“₦2 Billion Controversy: Lagos APC Under Fire Over Consensus Candidate Plan” . When you have to manage many interest groups, this is what happens. When you allow non- indigenes who do not share our cultural orientation to respect elders to buy forms so you can generate revenue, this is what happens. When you do not have a fixed plan and strategy to accommodate those you need to win elections in the state, this is what you get. Now, which way forward. The state government should have bankrolled the elections and people may have bought forms at N1m each knowing it’s a non- refundable payment and the organizers reserve the rights on who qualifies or not. There are lawyers in the committee, so they should have signed undertakings each. They should have been proactive to anticipate this sort of reaction. Those in charge have messed up in my opinion. Sanwo should have dropped funding even if he is not involved. Please refund the money or a part to those people who paid for peace. Governor to take over election expenses immediately. N5m is a lot of money these days.
Former Local Government chairman.
” Consensus or Imposition? Lagos APC Faces Revolt Over Chairmanship Primaries” We really had the hope that this incoming LG candidates would take us to a different level, but no. It’s a dream. Why all this jostling for a post to work for the people? It’s a juicy post. So, please let’s remove the perks from this office so those who can do administrative work will be elected. Bankers, Lawyers, Technocrats who are computer literate and will manage the LG well. This katakata is tiring. All these babas in the party should sit back and allow the party to move to the next level with a crop of young dynamic competent hands of Yoruba extraction and indigenes. Activist, Grassroot mobilizer, local government political leader & stakeholder.
” Form Sales and Fury: Lagos APC in Turmoil Over Abrupt Consensus Shift” This crisis should be managed properly so that it doesn’t polarize the party we are trying to unite. We need to be tactical with this election and manage the different interests. Maybe postpone the elections and arrange the candidates selection properly. This fire brigade approach will not work. We want to do things differently due to the political reforms initiated by President Tinubu. Lagos should be a pacesetter for other states. Let the various interest groups meet and concede for the best interest of improving the standard of the local government governance in Lagos, not just surrogates with godfathers. Developed countries hold Council elections based on Merit, so why this hustling for government funded posts? Tinubu has warned politicians going for LG money that they will go to jail. I hope and believe he means it. What are they fighting for? It’s embarrassing. Fighting to serve or to loot?????- Things must change. – Former Governor.
“450 Aspirants, ₦5m Each—Now No Primaries? Lagos APC Faces Crisis” it’s now a matter of integrity. The mantra of the APC is renewed hope, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Funds should be refunded to aggrieved aspirants or allow them contest under a secret ballot system that can be managed. People are wiser now. It can no longer be business as usual. Some sold properties to generate the money used for elections, but they don’t realise there will be no looting this time to recover the money, only work. -Elder Statesman.
” Grassroots Rebellion Brews in Lagos APC Over Alleged Imposition” We were under the impression that things have changed. So, we are still in the same backward situation. If we want to win elections, this is not the way to go about things. The LG elections are the foundation of governance. There shouldn’t be any compromise. We need to do things correctly. I hope we will get it right. Too many interests it seems. Retired Army General.
” Aspirants Cry Foul as Lagos APC Abandons Direct Primaries for Consensus” A show of shame. The administration is being commended for a step in the right direction over a successful screening, but the election seems like it might be a sham if care is not taken. It’s time to raise the bar with political reforms, this attitude is not moving us forward. – Prof. Adeyemi.