Lagos market leaders threaten protest over alleged APC primary irregularities

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Market leaders in Lagos State have threatened to stage a protest over alleged manipulation of results in some All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was issued on Tuesday by the Iyaloja General of Lagos State during a press briefing held at her residence in Alausa, where she accused unnamed party stakeholders of attempting to deny some candidates victory despite their alleged popularity among party members and grassroots supporters.

According to her, traders and market associations across the state would resist any effort to substitute candidates who they believe legitimately won the party primaries.

“We are ready to protest. We know they won this election. The mandate should not be given to somebody else,” she declared.

The market leader specifically referred to disputes arising from APC primaries in some constituencies, claiming that aspirants endorsed by market associations were unfairly treated during the process. She said the affected candidates had earned the support of traders because of their contributions to market development and their accessibility to grassroots communities.

She cited the case of an APC aspirant for Agege Constituency II, Olaide Mutiu Oladeebo, alleging that he enjoyed overwhelming support before the process was allegedly disrupted. She also expressed concern over growing divisions among political blocs within the ruling party, warning that internal disputes could weaken the APC ahead of the next election cycle.

While reaffirming support for the party’s governorship candidate in 2027, the Iyaloja General said market leaders expected greater engagement and political inclusion from the party leadership. She noted that traders wanted direct discussions with the candidate on issues affecting markets and welfare programmes for traders across the state.

“We are prepared to vote for him, but he has to come around. We need to meet with him. We need our slots,” she said, adding that market leaders expected appointments and stronger representation in government after supporting the APC during elections.

She further warned against a situation where political office holders allegedly concentrate empowerment opportunities among family members and close associates while neglecting grassroots supporters and market communities that worked for the party’s success.

Despite the grievances, the Iyaloja reaffirmed the commitment of market women and traders to the APC, stressing that mobilisation efforts had already begun across Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections. She added that traders were actively encouraging voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for the polls.