The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, in a dramatic turn of events, has kicked against what they perceive as an imposition of leadership within the party.
The party leadership, in a press conference led by the acting chairman, Prince Owolabi Olatayo Razak, expressed their dissatisfaction over the appointment of Lukman Abubakar as the new party’s chairman.
The discord within the party started in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, where tensions simmered due to disagreements over the handling of election funds and perceived grievances by certain party officials, notably Prince Sunday Fagbemi, the state party chairman.
According to Razak, Fagbemi’s alleged divisive tactics and quest for political relevance have led to the current turmoil, with Ifelodun LGA seemingly becoming the battleground for power struggles ahead of future elections.
Razak accused Fagbemi of disregarding the party’s constitution by bypassing established succession protocols in the appointment of Abubakar while arguing that the constitution stipulated that in the event of a vacancy in the chairman’s position, the deputy chairman should assume leadership—a provision they claim Fagbemi and his allies have ignored.
However, while expressing its appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, it called on the governor to intervene and address the internal strife threatening to destabilise the party’s stronghold in the LGA
The party also urged the governor to take a closer look at the situation while ensuring adherence to democratic principles and party processes.
As the rift within the party widens, Razak and his supporters are adamant about pursuing constitutional avenues to seek redress, signalling their commitment to upholding democratic values within the party.
The unfolding saga within the APC in Ifelodun LGA underscores the challenges of internal cohesion and leadership dynamics within political parties. As the party grapples with internal strife, the outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have implications for the party’s future trajectory in Kwara State and beyond.