In a dramatic turn of events, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, was attacked by protesters during a peace parley aimed at reconciling two warring factions in the Alimosho Local Government Area.
The incident took place at the party's Secretariat on Acme Road in Ogba, Lagos, on June 25, 2024.
The protesters, who were carrying placards, accused Ojelabi of bias in handling the ongoing crisis between former Reps member Mr. Olufemi Adebanjo, popularly known as 'Eyes Open', and another leader, Abudulahi Enilolobo.
The protesters, who were reportedly from the BATCO and Mandate groups, stormed the party secretariat as early as 8 am, demanding a fair resolution to the factional dispute.
Video footage of the attack showed Ojelabi being tossed around by the protesters before security operatives intervened to rescue him from the grip of the mob.
The incident escalated when Ojelabi told the protesters that he "does not recognize factions" and only "recognizes elected and appointed public officers." This statement further angered the protesters, who accused the party chairman of favoring one faction over the other.
In response to the crisis, the Lagos APC issued a statement clarifying that the incident was a result of uninvited thugs infiltrating the meeting with ulterior motives.
The party's spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, emphasized that Ojelabi has been continuously working towards the peaceful coexistence of all party members in Lagos State.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by the APC in maintaining unity and resolving internal disputes within its ranks.
As the party seeks to consolidate its position in Lagos State, the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms becomes increasingly apparent.
The Lagos APC has called on its members to embrace peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in achieving the party's objectives.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and tensions inherent in political party dynamics, particularly in a state with a strong political landscape like Lagos.
