By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Kosofe chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied allegations of engaging in anti-party activities in the lead up to the 2023 general elections. However, the aggrieved stakeholders admitted to supporting an anti-candidate movement within the party.
According to sources, the anti-candidate wing of the APC supported and campaigned vigorously for Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu and Shettima presidency, Lagos East Senatorial Lawmaker, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru re-election, and Babajide Sanwoolu re-election success. They were, however, against Kosofe Federal Constituency House of Representatives member-elect, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Kosofe constituency 1 & 2 Lawmakers-elect, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon, and Hon. Femi Saheed, who won their re-election without their support.
The alleged brain behind the anti-candidate movement included outgoing member of House of Representatives representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, yet to be confirmed member of Lagos State Audit Board Commission, Hon. Musilu Aigoro, Assistant APC state Secretary Hon, Adejumoke Animawun, former Commissioner 2, Hon. Busayo Adebayo, serving Kosofe cabinet member, APC party executives, and several others.
The anti-candidate group’s actions contributed to the near loss of Kosofe constituency 1 house of Assembly election, with the Labour Party candidate currently challenging the outcomes at the Governorship and House of Assembly election petitions tribunal. Meanwhile, Kosofe constituency 2 Lawmaker-elect escaped the onslaughts.
Many angry APC members have written petitions calling for disciplinary action and appropriate sanctions against the alleged anti-party activities. Others have opined that the Labour Party, better known as obedient movement, has come to stay in Kosofe and called for genuine conciliation and reconciliation that will unite the political gladiators and return the APC to its winning ways ahead of the 2025 Local Government election.
The situation has caused concern among party leaders who are worried that the division within the APC could hurt its chances in the upcoming elections. There are fears that if the party fails to address the concerns of its aggrieved members, it could lead to a significant loss of support and ultimately, electoral defeat. As such, party leaders are calling for urgent action to address the grievances of the anti-candidate movement and bring the party back together.