The bid to select the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has left the camp of Lagos political heavyweight and GAC member, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, in disarray. A controversial shadow primary election, criticized as a “kangaroo process,” has plunged the Justice Forum (JF), the dominant APC faction in the area, into a bitter power struggle allegedly accused of employing undemocratic tactics to impose a preferred aspirant, sidelining others in the process.
During a stormy Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Basorun announced the contentious shadow primary plan, prompting backlash from JF stakeholders. Many demanded a return to the original selection process, which involved a screening committee narrowing down five aspirants to three through a transparent and inclusive approach. Critics viewed the sudden deviation as an attempt to undermine fairness.
The crisis reached boiling point when Kunle Bakare, popularly known as Bakky, was excluded from the ballot. A staunch JF loyalist and son of a respected elder in the group, Bakky’s removal ignited protests. His supporters, led by Comrade Sheu Bana, disrupted the election proceedings, vowing that no vote would take place without Bakky’s reinstatement on the shadow election ballot papers.
“This process is an insult to our collective integrity,” fumed Bana. “Bakky has fulfilled all requirements and declared his intention in the presence of JF members. Excluding him is a blatant act of bias and a threat to our unity.”
As the fallout continues, observers warn that the Justice Forum’s internal rift could jeopardize its grip on Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA if leadership fails to bridge the widening divide.