Tensions are rising within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid reports that loyalists of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola are working to erode President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy centers on the upcoming Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) primaries, where the BATCO Mandate group, led by Abdullahi Enilolobo, is allegedly executing a strategy to challenge Tinubu’s grip on Lagos politics. Party insiders claim the group is acting on Aregbesola’s instructions.
Allegations of Manipulation and Intimidation
The primary process has been marred by serious allegations, including coercion, financial inducements, and the use of spiritual oaths to enforce loyalty. Enilolobo is said to have funded a candidate, Ayinde, with N15 million, while all 15 BATCO-aligned LCDA executives were reportedly compelled to swear spiritual oaths — a move widely seen as a tool to suppress dissent.
This has raised alarm among party members, especially given BATCO’s slim majority within the LCDA executive — 15 members to the rival Justice Forum’s 12 — sparking fears the group could manipulate the primary outcome in its favor.
Youth Coalition Calls for Party Leadership Intervention
In reaction, a coalition under the banner of Concerned Alimosho Progressive Youths has called on the APC’s national leadership to intervene. The group condemned what it described as a coordinated plot to undermine Tinubu’s legacy and destabilize the party’s internal democracy.
“This is more than just a local contest — it’s a strategic attempt to sabotage Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy and jeopardize his 2027 re-election bid,” the coalition said in a statement. “The party must not reward disloyalty.”
They urged the APC leadership to investigate the alleged intimidation and irregularities in the primaries and take steps to preserve the unity and integrity of the party.
APC Faces Rising Internal Tensions Ahead of 2027
These developments have intensified concerns among stakeholders about the APC’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. Party insiders warn that if left unaddressed, internal power struggles in strategic areas like Alimosho could weaken the APC’s electoral prospects.
This latest rift follows an earlier report by Legit.ng that Aregbesola and his loyalists under the Omoluabi Progressives had formally severed ties with the APC. The group announced their departure on January 26 in a statement issued by caucus spokesperson Abosede Oluwaseun after a key meeting in Ilesa.
As the political temperature rises, observers say the APC must act swiftly to address growing divisions and protect its electoral strongholds in Lagos and beyond.
