Tension In Somolu As Faleke, Dullar Accused Of Hijacking APC Primaries

In a disturbing turn of events that threatens the very fabric of democratic ideals within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the people of Somolu Local Government Area in Lagos State have been subjected to a grossly manipulated primary election process. What should have been a transparent and competitive selection of candidates has instead become a theatre of imposition, coercion, and outright betrayal of party values.

Fifteen aspirants who legitimately declared their interest in contesting under the APC have unanimously rejected the fraudulent outcome of the so-called primaries held in Somolu. The reason? No elections were held. There were no delegates, no accreditation, no voting, and no results reflective of the people’s will. What we have witnessed is the imposition of an unpopular and virtually unknown figure, Mr. Lateef Ashimi, as the party’s candidate — a man who is not only alien to the political landscape of Somolu but is also widely rejected by the grassroots.

The emergence of Mr. Ashimi was allegedly orchestrated by the outgoing LG Chairman, Mr. Abdul Hamed Salawu (Dullar), in partnership with Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a House of Representatives member from Ikeja Federal Constituency with close ties to political interests in Kogi State. This has raised red flags across the party structure, with growing concerns that this is part of a broader scheme by the Kogi political faction to hijack Somolu’s APC machinery. It is a clear case of political colonization — a move that is not only offensive to the people of Somolu but also fundamentally undemocratic.

Adding insult to injury, Mr. Dullar has allegedly threatened his own staff and local supervisors, warning that those who do not align with his endorsement of Mr. Ashimi will not receive their salaries. This level of intimidation and political bullying within a democratic system is unacceptable. It is both unethical and potentially criminal, and it reveals the desperation with which this imposition is being enforced.

Let it be clearly stated: this is not the choice of Somolu. This is not the voice of the people. The so-called “consensus” candidate is a fabrication — a smokescreen to cover the backdoor dealings and power play of a few individuals who believe they can substitute the will of the people with their own selfish interests.

This kangaroo process is a stain on the legacy of the APC, a party that once promised change and progressive ideals. If this undemocratic imposition is allowed to stand, it will not only alienate the party’s loyal base in Somolu, but it will also weaken APC’s position in the coming elections, both locally and beyond.

We, therefore, demand the following:

1. An immediate nullification of Mr. Lateef Ashimi’s imposed candidacy.

2. A fresh, transparent, and fair primary election where all aspirants can contest equally and the people’s voice can be heard.

3. An independent investigation into the roles of Mr. Dullar and Hon. James Faleke in this politically toxic process.

We remain committed to the ideals and founding principles of the All Progressives Congress. But our loyalty is first to democracy and the people of Somolu, not to individuals who seek to hijack power through deception and intimidation.

The APC National Working Committee must act decisively — not just to salvage what remains of internal democracy in Somolu but to send a clear message that impunity and political dictatorship will no longer be tolerated within the party.

The time to act is now. The future of the APC in Somolu — and by extension Lagos — depends on it.

Concerned APC Members