APC protesters storm Lagos assembly, demand party chairman’s sack

DDM News

(DDM) – A political protest erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, as members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) demanded the removal of the party’s state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the demonstrators, drawn from all 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, carried placards and chants calling for immediate leadership change.

The protest took place at the Lagos Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, drawing attention from political observers and the general public.

Protesters held signs with bold inscriptions such as “Ojelabi Must Go” and “We Demand New Leadership”.

The aggrieved members accused Ojelabi of poor leadership and blamed him for the current discontent within the party’s grassroots structure.

They claimed that the state APC leadership had become disconnected from the people and ineffective in mobilizing support across the wards.

Some protesters alleged that the chairman had sidelined critical stakeholders and failed to involve key loyalists in party decisions.

Others cited long-standing internal grievances and demanded a total overhaul of the party leadership in Lagos.

They argued that the party needed vibrant, transparent, and people-driven leadership to prepare for upcoming political activities.

The protest was reportedly organized by youth leaders, ward executives, and political groups loyal to aggrieved factions within the APC.

Security presence was high at the Assembly complex, with police operatives stationed at all major entry points.

The police reportedly ensured that the protest remained peaceful and that the situation did not escalate into violence or property damage.

As of press time, the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly had not issued any statement regarding the demonstration.

The APC state executive, including Pastor Ojelabi, also maintained silence, with no public response or counterstatement.

Party insiders suggest that the growing internal tension may affect the APC’s organizational strength ahead of the 2025 local government elections.

Analysts view the protest as a sign of a deeper crisis within the Lagos APC, which has long been regarded as the party’s strongest stronghold in Nigeria.

Lagos, being the economic nerve centre of the country, has always played a pivotal role in shaping national politics.

Political unrest in the state’s party chapter could ripple across the region, impacting upcoming electoral strategies and alliances.

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, a former lawmaker and party stalwart, was appointed APC Lagos Chairman in 2021.

He succeeded Tunde Balogun and was seen as a consensus candidate backed by top party leaders during the last state congress.

However, critics now claim that Ojelabi has not lived up to expectations, especially in fostering unity and grassroots inclusion.

Some members accuse him of presiding over a divided house, where appointments and resources are reportedly skewed in favour of a few.

This protest marks one of the most significant open revolts against his leadership since he took office.

It remains unclear whether the APC National Working Committee (NWC) will intervene or allow the crisis to fester.

Sources within the party say talks are already underway to manage the situation behind closed doors.

However, protesters insist they will not back down until a new chairman emerges to “rescue” the party from what they describe as internal decay.

For now, Lagos APC faces what may become a defining moment in its internal democratic process.

More updates are expected as the state executive and party hierarchy respond to the loud call for change.

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