Fresh tensions are erupting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun and Lagos states as party members accuse influential leaders of withholding membership cards and plotting to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Hundreds of aggrieved APC members in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State stormed the party secretariat in Ijaye on Tuesday, demanding access to their membership cards and warning against what they described as attempts to sideline loyal members from future party primaries.
The protesters carried placards with messages including “Give us our membership cards,” “We don’t want imposition,” and “Let us vote for our candidates,” as frustration mounted over fears of internal manipulation within the ruling party.
One of the demonstrators, Adesanya Akinbode, said registered members had fulfilled all requirements but were still unable to obtain their cards, raising suspicion that some party leaders were deliberately trying to disenfranchise members before the primaries.
“We want our membership cards because we want to vote,” he said. “We have remained loyal APC members from the beginning. Give us our membership cards so that we can exercise our rights during the party primaries.”
Another protester, Idowu Rodiat, condemned alleged moves to impose candidates on party members, insisting that internal democracy must be protected within the local government chapter.
“We don’t want imposition in our local government. We want free and fair primaries, and we need adequate security during the process,” she said.
Responding to the allegations, Ogun APC Publicity Secretary, Nuerudeen Olufemi, denied claims that members were being denied access to their cards. He explained that registered members could print their membership cards online or obtain assistance through designated ward contact persons.
“Nobody is denying anybody,” Olufemi stated, adding that ward officials were already assigned to support members with the registration and printing process.
While tensions simmer in Ogun, a separate internal crisis is unfolding within the APC in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State over allegations of political imposition ahead of the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries.
Some party stakeholders accused powerful political interests of attempting to force a preferred aspirant on members while undermining actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott, who is reportedly seeking another term in the Assembly.
During a political discussion monitored by journalists, one stakeholder alleged that party structures were already being tilted in favour of a female aspirant before the official commencement of the primaries.
“Nobody should play God in Surulere politics,” the stakeholder said. “Party members should be allowed to choose their candidate freely.”
The source further alleged that local government officials and ward leaders were being pressured to openly support a particular aspirant, while loyalists backing rival contenders were allegedly removed from party structures and excluded from empowerment programmes.
The controversy has reignited debates within the Surulere APC over internal democracy, political influence, and the future of Desmond Elliott, whose legislative performance continues to divide opinions among party loyalists.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, the growing disputes within APC chapters in Ogun and Lagos highlight increasing concerns over candidate selection processes and the balance of power within the ruling party.
