Ikosi-Isheri, Lagos — The political atmosphere in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is on edge as fresh allegations surface against the Lagos State APC Youth Leader, Seriki Muritala, who has been accused of attempting to manipulate the forthcoming APC primaries to favor a widely unpopular incumbent.
According to multiple credible sources within the party, Seriki Muritala has publicly endorsed the candidacy of the sitting chairman, a move that stakeholders say violates the APC Constitution and undermines the integrity of the democratic process. His actions have triggered outrage, especially as reports emerge that several aspirants’ nomination forms have mysteriously gone missing from the APC secretariat — a suspicious development that is being seen as a targeted effort to sideline credible contenders.
“It’s shameful. You cannot tamper with the process and call it democracy,” said one aggrieved aspirant. “The people of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA deserve better.”
A Tenure the People Want to Forget
The candidate Seriki Muritala is supporting is the incumbent LCDA Chairman, who has served six years as Vice Chairman and over six years as Chairman. Yet, her administration is widely considered the worst in the history of Ikosi-Isheri.
Residents cite decaying infrastructure, poor service delivery, high-handedness, and complete disconnect from grassroots needs as hallmarks of her time in office.
“Twelve years in power and nothing to show for it — no innovation, no legacy. Just neglect and disappointment,” lamented a local elder from the LCDA.
Despite this widespread public disapproval, Seriki Muritala is allegedly using his position within the APC to pressure party organs to clear the path for her return, even as the grassroots voice grows louder in opposition.
Breach of Party Constitution & Electoral Law
The APC Constitution is clear in its stance on neutrality:
Article 21(ii) of the APC Constitution states:
“No party official shall promote or oppose the ambition of any candidate or aspirant in any election or party primary.”
In addition, under Section 182(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended):
“No person shall be qualified for election to the office of Chairman of a Local Government if he/she has been elected and sworn into the same office on two previous occasions.”
This clause further casts doubt on the legitimacy of the incumbent’s re-election bid, having been sworn in twice already
Residents and Stakeholders Demand Action
The controversy has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action from the Lagos APC leadership. Community leaders, youths, and political stakeholders are urging the party to safeguard its credibility by investigating the alleged bias and missing forms, and ensuring that all aspirants are given a fair, transparent platform.
“This is not just about one primary,” said a Ward C youth leader. “It’s about protecting the soul of internal democracy in APC Lagos. We refuse to let any one person hijack the people’s will.”
As the primary elections approach, one thing is clear: the people of Ikosi-Isheri are ready for change, and they are demanding a break from failure, imposition, and manipulation.
Tags: #APC Lagos, #Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, #Seriki Muritala, #APC Primaries, #Lagos Politics, #Internal Democracy, #Local Government Election
