Lagos Politics: TMM Pushes Back Against Alleged Manipulation of Party Structure

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos is witnessing fresh internal tensions as the Mandate Movement (TMM) has warned against the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group’s leader and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Muraina Taiwo, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting held at his residence on Monday. He stated that the movement would resist any attempt to manipulate party structures to favour individual interests.

Taiwo’s comments come days after another APC caucus, the Justice Forum, endorsed candidates for elective positions in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II. He alleged that TMM leaders were neither informed nor invited to the endorsement meeting, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to sideline the group.

According to him, the endorsement of a sitting lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly without broad consultation undermines internal party processes. He called for the immediate creation of a Constituency Consensus Committee with equal representation from both caucuses to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility in candidate selection.

“This pattern suggests a clear attempt to marginalise our members and influence the emergence of candidates,” Taiwo said, stressing that TMM remains committed to internal democracy and inclusive participation.

He, however, commended the Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, for nullifying the endorsement, noting that the decision aligns with party guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2025.

Taiwo reiterated that while consensus arrangements are recognised within the party, they must be transparent and broadly accepted. He warned that any attempt to impose candidates or exclude stakeholders could weaken party unity ahead of the elections.

“As we approach 2027, unity and inclusiveness must guide our actions. Any effort to divide the party or impose candidates will amount to internal sabotage,” he said.

The meeting was attended by key party figures, including Stephen Ogundipe, Musiliu Akinsanya, Kehinde Bamigbetan, and Ganiyu Johnson, among others.

TMM reaffirmed its stance to support only credible and widely accepted candidates capable of securing electoral victory for the party in 2027.