By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Kosofe Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is battling an escalating internal crisis as competing interests, shifting loyalties and rising tensions threaten to fracture the party ahead of the next political cycle. What began as a quiet tussle for influence has grown into a full-blown struggle for control, with party members trading accusations both online and offline. Insiders describe the situation as a reflection of long-standing rivalry within the chapter, drawing comparisons to the Ikorodu saying, “Ikorodu o loga; gbogbo wa loga,” a metaphor for fragmented leadership.
The crisis became more pronounced during the build-up to the 2025 Local Government elections following a dispute between the Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, and a former Supervisory Councilor, Hon. Ganiu Oyebanjo. The disagreement spilled into public view when Oyebanjo petitioned an anti-graft agency over alleged mismanagement of public funds. At the time, Chairman Ogunlewe enjoyed strong support from key stakeholders, including two members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Otunba Bushira Alebiosu and Omoba Ademuyiwa Sosanya; the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu; and the Kosofe Constituency I lawmaker, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon. Their supporters rallied behind the council chairman, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
However, the political atmosphere shifted sharply after Ogunlewe secured the APC ticket for a second term. What initially appeared to be subtle political manoeuvring quickly escalated into an open confrontation. A major turning point was the selection of principal officers for the Kosofe Legislative Arm, where the chairman allegedly backed a bloc of councillors, popularly referred to as the G4, against the preferred candidate of the established party structure. This development exposed deep cracks within the chapter and signalled a broader realignment of interests.
In a surprising twist, many stakeholders who had previously defended the chairman have now aligned, directly or indirectly, with Oyebanjo in demanding transparency over the billions of naira reportedly allocated to the council over the years. Political observers say the renewed calls for accountability may be linked more to a struggle for influence than a sudden interest in public financial scrutiny. According to analysts, Ogunlewe’s decision to support the G4 councillors was interpreted as an attempt to weaken traditional power brokers who control patronage and strategic decision-making within the party. This move, they say, provoked a backlash from leaders who saw it as a challenge to their long-held dominance.
Despite the escalating tension and growing demands from Kosofe residents for clarity on public expenditure, senior party figures have remained largely silent. Those who have kept their distance from the conflict include the two GAC members, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, the lawmaker representing the Kosofe Federal Constituency, APC State Treasurer Hon. Abiodun Aikhigbe, APC Assistant Secretary Hon. Jumoke Animawun, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, Hon. Yetunde Arobieke and several others. Their silence has fuelled speculation that the crisis may persist well into the 2026 and 2027 political cycles unless deliberate steps are taken to restore cohesion within the chapter.