A storm is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after an aspirant for the Agege Constituency I primary election alleged that the party leadership overturned his landslide victory to install a candidate who finished a distant third. Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, visibly frustrated, accused the state party hierarchy of ignoring the will of voters and pushing through a back-door selection.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Egunjobi said the official results from the primary election showed he won decisively with 9,132 votes. His closest rival, Mr. Segun Olawoye, managed only 450 votes, while Mr. Gbenga Michael Abiola—the man the party later declared as its candidate—scraped by with just 430 votes. Egunjobi insisted that records held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) back up his claim.
“I was declared winner by electoral officials in full view of the public. The figures are clear. The mandate was freely given to me by the electorate,” Egunjobi said, his voice edged with bitterness. “Yet, for reasons beyond fairness and justice, the party hierarchy in the comfort of their office coronated Abiola, who came a distant third.”
Egunjobi stressed that his fight is not just about personal ambition but about protecting the integrity of the party’s internal democracy. “Democracy thrives when the will of the people is respected. When that will is distorted, confidence in the system is weakened,” he warned.
Despite his anger, the aspirant pledged loyalty to the APC, saying he has no intention of causing division. He has already filed a formal petition with the party’s internal dispute resolution bodies, complete with evidence he says proves his victory. He called on party leaders to conduct an objective review and ensure justice is done.
To his supporters, Egunjobi appealed for calm, urging them to avoid actions that could disrupt public peace or undermine the party. “Let us demonstrate faith in the rule of law and the democratic process while we seek a fair resolution,” he said.
At the time of this report, the Lagos APC leadership had not responded to the allegations. Mr. Gbenga Michael Abiola also remained silent on the claims.
