Political activities within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ajeromi Local Government have intensified as the second and final tenure of the party chairman, Chief Sam Adeyemi, draws to a close in less than one month.
With the countdown to the end of Adeyemi’s stewardship, investigations reveal that discreet but strategic lobbying has gained momentum among party stakeholders seeking to occupy the vacant chairmanship position. No fewer than eight party members have reportedly indicated interest in the post, all drawn from the Justice Forum tendency within the APC.
Sources within the Mandate Group, another influential bloc in the party structure, disclosed that the group is presently maintaining a studied silence on the race. According to a party insider, the Mandate Group has yet to formally signal interest, though the source noted that “the position could change at any time, depending on evolving internal calculations.”
The aspirants so far linked to the Ajeromi APC chairmanship race include former Supervisor for Education, Hon. Adebumoye Victor; Aare Yunus O.S. Animashaun; Engr. Tunde Balogun, a former CDC Chairman; Ibrahim Adio, the Current Task Force Chairman; Hon Akin Ojojo, an immediate past two-term former Councilor; Sampson Shatin; Israel Adejumoh, a former Supervisor for Agric; Alhaji Ishmael Sanni Olarewaju, the current CDC Chairman, except Engr. Balogun, who is from the Ajegunle axis, all the aspirants hail from the Tolu axis, an imbalance that is already generating muted conversations within party ranks.
While the contest for party leadership appears more visible in Ajeromi, developments in Ifelodun LCDA suggest a quieter but more coordinated political maneuvering. Beneath the surface calm lies what party insiders describe as a deliberate and near-unanimous effort by key political interests to prevent the incumbent Local Government Chairman, Hon. Babalola Owegbe, from securing a second term in office.
At least three major political blocs are said to be driving this alignment. The Cornerstone group, associated with the incumbent Executive Chairman, has reportedly produced three erectile aspirants. Two others are linked to the political structure of Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, while another aspirant is believed to be aligned with the Ifelodun Apex Leader and Head of the G17’s group, popularly referred to as the Allied Group.
The rationale behind this coordinated resistance to Owegbe’s second term remains unclear. Some party insiders suggest it may be rooted in internal power recalibration, while others point to possible dissatisfaction with the chairman’s performance. However, critics argue that the move departs from the progressive tradition of granting incumbents the opportunity to complete a second tenure, except in cases of glaring failure or internal crisis.
Historically, chairmanship contests in Ifelodun LCDA have seldom been openly contested, with caucus leaders often determining outcomes through consensus. Yet, the current alignment of interests and multiplication of aspirants suggest a subtle shift from the familiar script, signalling deeper undercurrents within the party.
Implications for APC’s 2027 Outlook
Beyond the immediate succession battles, the unfolding scenarios in Ajeromi and Ifelodun LCDA carry significant implications for the APC’s future electoral fortunes, particularly as the party looks toward the 2027 general elections.
The clustering of aspirants within specific political tendencies, the apparent marginalisation of certain axes, and the quiet but forceful exclusion of an incumbent in Ifelodun risk deepening intra-party fault lines if not carefully managed. While healthy competition can energise party structures, unmanaged internal rivalry may weaken cohesion, alienate grassroots supporters, and create openings for opposition parties in traditionally competitive areas.
For a party still grappling with the task of reinvigoration and consolidation at the grassroots, the manner in which these internal contests are resolved will serve as a litmus test of the APC’s capacity for internal democracy, inclusion, and strategic foresight.
As 2027 approaches, party leaders may be compelled to balance ambition with unity, ensuring that today’s power plays do not become tomorrow’s liabilities at the polls.
