By Lukman Olabiyi, Lagos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos State, faces escalating tensions as stakeholders and loyalists urge President Bola Tinubu to address alleged injustices in the chairmanship selection process for the July 2025 local government elections.
The controversy centres on Hon. Bowale Sosimi, a grassroots politician initially endorsed as the consensus candidate, whose candidacy was abruptly replaced, sparking accusations of manipulation.
This is the second time Sosimi has faced such a setback. In 2017, his name was removed from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) list, allegedly due to interference by the late Senator Bayo Osinowo, paving the way for Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu (Dullar) to serve two terms as chairman.
Stakeholders accuse Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, APC’s Lagos election coordinator and Tinubu ally, of orchestrating Sosimi’s exclusion. They also allege religious sentiments were exploited, citing a letter attributed to Sheikh Boonyamin Dabiri, Chief Imam of Somolu, advocating for a Muslim candidate. Prominent Muslim leaders, including Alhaji Alabi Yunusa, Chairman-General of the Somolu Muslim community, rejected the letter as unauthorised.
“Any official correspondence must bear the signatures of both the Chairman-General and the General Secretary,” Yunusa stated. Alhaji Rabiu Fatai, General Secretary, called it a “clear breach of protocol,” while Alhaja Nurat Lawal, Iya Suna, condemned using religion for political gain, noting past Muslim chairmen’s limited community benefits.
APC members, community leaders, and residents demand Tinubu investigate, reinstate Sosimi, and review Faleke’s role, warning that undermining internal democracy risks eroding trust and dividing the party.