Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-13 04:16:57
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal issues that threaten its chances of winning future elections. After recent crises in Rivers and Ondo states were resolved with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, members of the Lagos APC are hopeful that similar wisdom will be used to address lingering issues within the party.
During the President’s vacation in Lagos for the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, party members expected him to address the internal animosities that arose during the 2023 presidential election, where the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, emerged victorious over Tinubu. These issues persisted through the subsequent governorship poll, forcing the party to struggle for victory.
Stakeholders in the Lagos APC are calling for a meeting with President Tinubu to address the grievances of aggrieved members who feel sidelined by leaders accused of prioritizing their own interests. The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has come under scrutiny for allegedly favoring family members, cronies, and associates for lucrative appointments.
The party’s secretariat, which used to be bustling with activity, has now become quiet and deserted, reflecting the internal disarray within the party. Many members feel that the party is controlled by a few influential leaders who have monopolized benefits and opportunities, leaving others feeling alienated and marginalized.
The contentious issue of selecting candidates for elections has caused rifts within the Lagos APC, with some members questioning the hereditary nature of political positions in the party. The manipulation of primaries and the imposition of preferred candidates have fueled discontent among party faithful who feel excluded from decision-making processes.
The resurgence of two major party groups, the Justice Forum and Mandate Group, has raised concerns among some members who believe that their revival serves personal ambitions rather than the party’s unity. Additionally, the appointment of technocrats who are not aligned with the party’s ideology has further strained relations within the APC.
The party’s poor performance in recent elections, despite its strong political foothold in the state, has raised questions about the leadership’s effectiveness and commitment to the party’s success. The discontent among members may pose a significant challenge in upcoming council elections if not addressed promptly.
The potential backlash from disgruntled members collaborating with opposition parties underscores the urgency for the party’s leadership to address internal grievances. President Tinubu’s intervention is seen as crucial in restoring unity and restoring confidence among party members ahead of crucial elections.
In conclusion, the Lagos APC is at a crossroads, with internal divisions and grievances threatening its future electoral prospects. President Tinubu’s intervention is seen as pivotal in addressing these issues and reinvigorating the party’s unity and purpose. Failure to address these concerns may result in further turmoil and jeopardize the party’s electoral fortunes in the coming years.
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