Fresh tension is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho as the build-up to the Egbe-Idimu LCDA primaries takes a controversial turn, with loyalists of former Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, allegedly working to undermine the political influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
Sources within the party revealed that the BATCO Mandate group, led by Abdullahi Enilolobo, is reportedly acting on Aregbesola’s instructions to weaken Tinubu’s stronghold in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group is said to be sponsoring Hon. Tayo Ayinde for the position of LCDA chairman. However, the process has reportedly been marred by accusations of coercion, spiritual oaths, and financial inducements.
Party insiders allege that Enilolobo provided Ayinde with N15 million to fund his campaign and that all 15 BATCO-aligned executives in the LCDA have been made to undertake spiritual and occultic oaths—moves seen by some as attempts to enforce total loyalty and suppress dissent.
The group currently holds a slight numerical advantage in the executive committee of the LCDA, boasting 15 members compared to 12 from the Justice Forum faction—a 55:45 ratio many fear could be exploited to manipulate the outcome of the primaries.
Reacting to the development, a coalition under the banner of Concerned Alimosho Progressive Youths called on the APC leadership to intervene and preserve the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process.
In a statement, the group said: “This is more than just a local primary; it is a coordinated attempt to sabotage the legacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party must not reward disloyalty or empower individuals whose ultimate aim is to derail President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.”
They urged the national leadership of the APC to:
• Investigate the alleged coercion and manipulation in the Egbe-Idimu LCDA primaries;
• Uphold the legacy and contributions of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the growth of the party and nation;
• Prevent internal sabotage from undermining the ongoing reform agenda of the current administration.
“The stakes are high,” the group warned. “The party leadership must act swiftly and decisively. This is a defining moment for our democracy.”
The development has sparked growing concerns among stakeholders in the state as the party seeks to maintain cohesion and loyalty ahead of crucial national elections.
