Lagos LG Election: Ojo Indigenous APC Members Reject Igbo Nominee as Vice Chairmanship Candidate

By Peter Dansu  Tensions are rising in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State as a group of APC members under the banner Ojo APC Indigenou...

By Peter Dansu 

Tensions are rising in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State as a group of APC members under the banner Ojo APC Indigenous Vanguard have openly rejected plans to nominate a person of Igbo origin as Vice Chairman in the upcoming local government elections.

In a strongly worded statement titled “Enough is Enough”, addressed to top party leaders including the APC National Chairman, Lagos State Governor, and Lagos West Senator, the group expressed deep frustration over what they see as a recurring and unfair trend.

According to them, the vice-chairmanship position has repeatedly been given to individuals from the Igbo ethnic group, despite the availability of capable Yoruba candidates within the local APC fold.

“We firmly condemn the ongoing attempt by some individuals to impose an Igbo candidate on us as Vice Chairman of Ojo Local Government,” the statement read.

Referencing past political appointments, the group argued that since the era of the late Solomon Akin-Aina, the vice-chairmanship seat has frequently been occupied by persons of Igbo origin. Yet, they claim this pattern has done little to boost APC’s political fortunes in the area.

“In the 2023 state and national elections, we faced serious setbacks,” the statement said, pointing specifically to Ward C. “Even with one of their own as Vice Chairman, that ward showed open hostility during the polls.”

They argue that this trend hasn’t yielded meaningful electoral support from the affected communities, and instead, has contributed to losses — including in key races like the House of Representatives elections.

“They have consistently positioned themselves in opposition to us,” the group claimed, questioning the rationale behind the continued nomination of candidates they say do not contribute positively to the party’s local success.

The statement urged APC leaders at all levels to rethink any plans to field another Igbo candidate for the Vice Chairmanship role. “We respectfully but firmly call on our leaders to reverse this course,” it added.

While reaffirming support for the Chairmanship candidate from Ward A, the group suggested that the Vice Chairmanship should go to candidates from other wards, especially those with proven grassroots appeal and party loyalty.

Their message was clear: the time has come to give local, indigenous Yoruba aspirants a fair shot at leadership within Ojo LGA.