As the countdown to the July 12 local government elections intensifies, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched an ambitious reconciliation and unity campaign—led by none other than former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode report by The Nation Newspaper reports.
At the heart of this effort is a bold new slogan: “One APC, One Lagos.”
The initiative, which marks Ambode’s first major political assignment since he left office in 2019, signals a fresh chapter for the ruling party as it seeks to heal deep internal wounds inflicted by the controversial May 11 party primaries.
The exercise, which produced 55 out of 57 chairmanship candidates, was marred by allegations of imposition, sidelining of grassroots stakeholders, and a widening generational rift—leaving many loyalists disillusioned and resentful.
Determined to restore confidence and cohesion, the APC has charged Ambode with leading a state-wide reconciliation mission aimed at bridging divides, restoring trust, and ensuring the party enters the polls with a united front.
“We cannot let personal ambitions or past grievances jeopardize the legacy and future of the APC in Lagos,” Ambode said during the inauguration of the Reconciliation Committee. “Reconciliation is not optional—it is imperative.”
For a party that has maintained an unbroken grip on Lagos since 1999, recent events have exposed cracks beneath the surface. The APC suffered unexpected losses in the 2023 general elections, with opposition parties gaining ground in previously solid territories. The fallout from the local government primaries only worsened the party’s internal fractures, raising fears of defections, voter apathy, and internal sabotage.
Party insiders acknowledge the risks. “Some members felt ignored or excluded after the primaries,” a senior APC official admitted. “This effort is about listening, healing, and moving forward together.”
Ambode’s reconciliation blueprint is both wide-reaching and strategic. The committee, composed of respected party elders, youth and women leaders, and neutral stakeholders, has embarked on intensive consultations—meeting with aggrieved factions, holding town halls at the ward level, and initiating closed-door sessions with influential stakeholders.
The result: a mid-May peace accord hailed by many as a breakthrough. Yet party leaders know that symbolism alone won’t suffice. To that end, the APC has established a Conflict Resolution Desk at its state secretariat for formal complaint lodging and regular feedback. Weekly review meetings now assess progress and identify areas needing adjustment.
Crucially, those previously marginalized are being reintegrated into campaign councils and promised roles in governance. Their visibility at rallies and strategy sessions is already reshaping public perception of the APC’s commitment to inclusion.
“One APC, One Lagos”: The Messaging Shift
To solidify the new narrative, the APC is set to roll out the “One APC, One Lagos” campaign across social media, radio, and grassroots platforms. The message: unity, inclusiveness, and shared ownership of the party’s future.
“This isn’t business as usual,” another party insider emphasized. “We’re showing that we’ve listened, and we’re acting.”
Still, skepticism remains. Vocal youth leader Adejoke Balogun described the reconciliation as “surface-level,” noting: “Until young people see real inclusion, this is just politics dressed in new slogans.”
In addition to Ambode’s statewide leadership, the APC has activated reconciliation committees across all senatorial districts:
Lagos East: Dr. Lateef Ibirogba (Chair), with Saheed Afonja, Sumbo Onitiri, and Sade Bakare.
Lagos Central: Former Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Sarah Sosan (Chair), with Funso Ologunde, Adedoyin Banjo, and Adigun Olalekan.
Lagos West 1: Otunba Bode Oyedele (Chair), alongside Chief Jide Damazio, Alh. Aleshinloye, and Comfort Olalere.
Lagos West 2: Alh. Mutiu Are (Chair), with Hon. Jumoke Okoya, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi, and Adeola Rashidat.
These zonal committees have been working in tandem with Ambode’s central team to deepen grassroots engagement and ensure no faction is left unheard.
Despite the public show of unity, analysts warn that the peace may be temporary. Many aggrieved factions are said to be adopting a “wait and see” posture, suspending open opposition until after the council polls.
“The real test will come after the elections,” said a veteran party member. “If the promises made during reconciliation aren’t fulfilled, we could see a resurgence of internal tensions ahead of 2027.”
Nonetheless, party leaders are hopeful. With local elections widely seen as a litmus test for the APC’s internal health and political future, Lagos is once again at the center of national attention.
For now, with Ambode back on the political stage and “One APC, One Lagos” gaining traction, the ruling party is doing everything it can to keep its house in order.
Whether this unity endures beyond July 12 will determine more than just council seats—it may define the future of the APC in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
