As the Lagos local government elections 2025 approach, political parties like the APC and Labour Party face deep internal divisions, raising concerns over unity and fairness in the selection process

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]agos local government elections 2025 are heating up as political parties in Nigeria’s commercial capital grapple with internal divisions that threaten their chances at the polls.

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With voting set for 12 July 2025, several key players most notably the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) are dealing with factional disputes that could weaken their grassroots support.

In the APC, the aftermath of the 10 May primaries has seen members in Agege and Orile Agege divided between supporters of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

The PCC has accused Obasa of manipulating the selection process to favour loyalists.

“The APC is under siege. The recent local government primaries have exposed a crisis of representation, fairness, and internal democracy,” said Bamofin Akinyemi, a spokesperson for the PCC, during a press briefing in Lagos. “What we have is not democracy, but imposition by political monopolies.”

Obasa, however, urged unity at a stakeholders’ event, noting that grievances should not be used to “destroy the house.” He dismissed claims of imposition, insisting that the primaries were peaceful and inclusive.

Meanwhile, female APC members protested at the State House in Marina, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA primaries, which they claim were not democratic.

The Labour Party (LP) is also not without challenges. While party leaders insist they are united, LASIEC has raised concerns over three conflicting factions submitting separate requests for primary election monitoring.

Although the party’s secretary, Sam Okpala, claims legitimacy based on INEC’s recognition, internal rifts remain apparent.

“INEC has affirmed our leadership, and LASIEC acted on that clarification. We are focused and ready to win big in this election,” Okpala said, dismissing dissent as sabotage.

Other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Action Congress (AAC), are ramping up campaign efforts with hopes to capitalise on the disarray within the ruling parties.

PDP deputy chairman Tai Benedict acknowledged internal issues but described them as “manageable”.

LASIEC Chair, retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, confirmed that 19 registered political parties will participate in the elections and stated the commission has requested guidance from INEC in light of the LP’s factional crisis.

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As the campaign season intensifies, the coming weeks will test whether Lagos parties can mend internal cracks in time to mount a unified electoral push on 12 July 2025.