Ex-Lagos SSG Decries Recent APC’s LG, Ward Congresses

By Vanessa Obioha

A former Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG) during the Babatunde Fashola regime, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, has decried the unfair and unjust handling of affairs in the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recently held ward congress and local government elections in the state.

Adeniran-Ogunsanya, who is the apex Chairperson of the Lagos4Lagos movement, said that there are disgruntled members of the APC who are keeping quiet because of fear. But unlike them, she is not keeping her mouth shut.

“It’s our democratic right to say out loud what we do not agree with. And that has been lost in the last few years where you are not allowed to have a voice. It is disgraceful that a state like Lagos cannot comport itself in a civilised way,” she said, referring to the LGA elections and the ward congress.

“It’s unheard of for a state that is supposed to be forward-looking to go so low to perform some of the games they played during the last exercise.

“The reason we are in politics is not only for ourselves but for the interests of the people in the state and the country in general. I feel something must be done right away. I know they’re compiling lists. And those lists must reflect the contribution of everybody to the party. Nobody can deny that for now, Lagos4Lagos movement is by far the strongest group,” Adeniran-Ogunsanya said.

She called on the national arm of the party to take note of what is happening in the party in the state and address the issues fairly and just.

The Lagos4Lagos movement led by Olajide Adediran has before and after the LGA elections criticised the party for the high cost of nomination form fees, guidelines and the disqualification of some of its members from partaking in the elections.

Also, before the party’s recent ward congress in the state, the group raised concerns over the consensus adoption as announced by the party’s Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), claiming that it was a ploy to impose members on the party. Thus, it held a parallel ward congress.

According to the Director, Media and Strategy for the movement, Seun Soyinka, no form was given to members, indicating that the congress was not done properly.

“We are finding it hard to sell the party out there,” added Adeniran-Ogunsanya, who has been a member of the party for 13 years.

“I want to see something change. I want to see the Lagos which our fathers built, and wanted Lagos to be.”

She likened the internal cracks in the party to cancer.

“We need chemo in APC right now, and it must be given. Very quickly, because the aftereffects will not be comfortable for a lot of people. What we are asking for is fairness, and they should remember our numbers are high. And we are a force to be reckoned with. So they should listen and do the right thing, and follow the constitution of the party.”