By Muhammad Abu l May 23, 2026
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged attempt to manipulate or overturn the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in a constituency linked to the Elegushi traditional domain, triggering fresh political tension within Lagos politics ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
According to reports by Sahara Reporters, the lawmaker accused unnamed political actors of working behind the scenes to alter the result of the party’s primary election in favour of a preferred candidate, allegedly with the involvement or influence of figures connected to the traditional institution.
The allegation has sparked renewed debate over the role of political godfathers, traditional rulers, and party structures in determining electoral outcomes within Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
Allegation Of Electoral Interference
The Lagos Assembly member reportedly claimed that there were coordinated efforts to influence or reverse the outcome of the APC primary, despite the conclusion of voting and internal collation processes.
He alleged that pressure was being mounted on party structures to disregard the declared outcome and impose an alternative candidate, raising concerns about transparency and internal democracy within the party.
The lawmaker further suggested that influential individuals within the political and traditional establishment were being drawn into the dispute, intensifying tensions within the local political hierarchy.
Traditional Authority Drawn Into Political Controversy
The controversy has also drawn attention to the role of the Elegushi traditional institution, one of Lagos State’s most prominent monarchies, in local political affairs.
While traditional rulers in Nigeria are constitutionally expected to remain non-partisan, they often wield significant influence within their communities, especially in matters involving political endorsements and community mobilization.
The allegation has therefore reignited longstanding debates over how far traditional institutions should be involved in partisan political processes, particularly during primary elections where internal party decisions often shape final electoral candidates.
APC Primaries And Rising Internal Tensions
The incident comes amid wider disputes reported across Nigeria’s ruling APC during its 2027 primary exercises, where allegations of irregularities, factional disputes, and contestation over delegate influence have been reported in multiple states.
Party primaries in Nigeria frequently serve as critical battlegrounds where political blocs, influential leaders, and local power structures compete for control over candidacies long before general elections take place.
Political analysts say such disputes are not unusual in Lagos politics, where competition for party tickets is often intense due to the state’s economic and political importance.
A Lagos-based political observer said the latest allegation reflects deeper internal struggles within party structures.
“What you are seeing is a continuation of elite competition within party machinery,” the analyst said. “In Lagos politics, control of nominations is often as important as the election itself.”
Calls For Transparency And Party Discipline
The Assembly member’s claims have added pressure on the APC leadership to ensure transparency in its internal processes and prevent disputes that could escalate into broader political crises.
Observers note that unresolved primary disputes in Nigeria often lead to factionalism, court cases, defections, or weakened party unity during general elections.
Party stakeholders are therefore being urged to address grievances through established internal dispute resolution mechanisms to avoid long-term political fallout.
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of reporting, there has been no formal response from the APC leadership or representatives of the Elegushi traditional institution regarding the allegations.
However, political tensions remain high, with supporters of different factions reportedly defending their preferred candidates and interpretations of the primary outcome.
Broader Implications For Lagos Politics
The development underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s internal party democracy, where candidate selection processes are frequently shaped by competing interests, informal influence networks, and power negotiations behind closed doors.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, analysts warn that disputes of this nature could become more frequent as political actors intensify positioning within major parties.
For now, the controversy surrounding the Lagos APC primary adds another layer of complexity to the state’s political landscape, highlighting the fragile balance between party authority, grassroots participation, and influential traditional and political actors.