The Lagos State Police Command intensified security measures around the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ikeja on Thursday, following a protest by aggrieved party members alleging irregularities in the recent local government primaries.

The demonstrators, comprising APC members from various local government areas, converged on the party’s secretariat along Acme Road, Ogba, demanding transparency and the release of the primary election results. They accused the party leadership of attempting to impose candidates who did not win the primaries.

One protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “We all came for different issues. Some politicians are trying to foist their candidates who did not win the elections on us. Also, why have they refused to release the results?”

In response to the protest, the police deployed armed officers to the area, barricading the entrance to the secretariat and restricting vehicular and pedestrian movement. The increased security presence aimed to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.

The APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Seye Oladejo, downplayed the incident, describing it as a “storm in a teacup.” He explained that the gathering was initially a reconciliatory meeting between different factions of the party in Alimosho local government area, which was infiltrated by individuals with ulterior motives. Oladejo commended the security agencies for promptly bringing the situation under control.

This protest is not an isolated incident. In June 2022, constituents from the Kosofe area stormed the APC secretariat to protest the alleged imposition of a candidate, blocking Acme Road and causing significant traffic congestion.

The Lagos State Police Command has consistently warned against blocking roads during protests, emphasizing that while citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, they do not have the right to obstruct public roads and inconvenience other road users.

The recent protest underscores ongoing tensions within the APC’s Lagos chapter, particularly concerning internal democracy and candidate selection processes. As the party prepares for upcoming elections, addressing these grievances will be crucial to maintaining unity and public confidence.

The Lagos State Government has reiterated that protests should be confined to designated venues, such as Freedom Park and Peace Park, to ensure public safety and order.

As of now, the APC leadership has not announced any changes to the primary election results, and the situation remains tense. Observers are closely monitoring developments, anticipating potential implications for the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects in Lagos State.