A political dispute is intensifying in Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State after the council chairman, Senbanjo Idowu Adejumoke, reportedly refused to swear in several supervisory councillors and the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) nominated for the council.

The development has raised concerns among party leaders and local officials who fear the standoff could slow governance at the grassroots level.

Officials say the Lagos State Government recently transmitted a list of supervisors and key council officials to local government chairmen across the state to enable them form executive teams and begin administrative work.

The directive was issued through the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

However, while many council chairmen across the state have sworn in their nominees, the situation in Apapa has taken a different turn.

Investigations suggest that Adejumoke has declined to swear in the SLG and several supervisors included in the list.

Sources within the political structure in Apapa say the chairman is currently running the council with only two supervisors whom she reportedly prefers to work with.

Why it matters

Local government executives play a central role in coordinating grassroots administration.

Supervisory councillors oversee key departments such as health, works, education and finance.

Stakeholders question decision

According to party insiders, the list of supervisors and the SLG was compiled by party leaders and influential stakeholders involved in the political process that produced Adejumoke as chairman.

But the chairman has reportedly rejected the arrangement.

Sources say she believes the officials were politically imposed on her administration and has insisted she will only work with individuals she trusts.

Some party stakeholders have criticised the move.

They argue that refusing to swear in the nominees could undermine party discipline and administrative coordination.

One party official familiar with the situation described the development as “a troubling signal that could create unnecessary tension within the party.”

Industry and political reactions

Political watchers say the dispute highlights long-standing tensions within local government politics in Lagos.

Analysts say conflicts over appointments are not uncommon in Nigeria’s local government system, where party structures often play a strong role in determining executive teams.

What’s next

With the chairman maintaining her stance, Apapa Local Government is currently operating with a limited executive structure.

Party leaders and government authorities are expected to intervene if the standoff continues.

Observers say the next steps taken by Lagos authorities could determine whether the dispute escalates or is resolved internally within the party.

For now, the situation has placed the spotlight firmly on Adejumoke’s leadership and the broader relationship between local government autonomy and party influence in Lagos politics.

A political mobilisation group in Lagos has launched a campaign encouraging grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The campaign, organised by the SMA Gold Movement, was unveiled during a gathering on Wednesday at the Police College Ikeja in Lagos.

Organisers say the mobilisation is aimed at strengthening support for the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and encouraging political participation across the state.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s next general election is expected in 2027, and political groups have begun early mobilisation efforts across the country.

Supporters of President Tinubu say the campaign is designed to highlight the administration’s infrastructure policies and encourage grassroots engagement.

Convener of the SMA Gold Movement, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold), said the gathering was partly organised to recognise the president’s leadership and development agenda.

“We are gathered to honour our father and to reflect on the direction of the country,” he said.

He added that infrastructure development remained central to national growth.

“For any economy or country, infrastructure is critical. It is the backbone of development,” he told supporters.

Dr Ajose also said the event aimed to discuss political strategy across Lagos State’s 57 local government areas.

“This gathering is about direction and about the future of our state, our children, and Nigeria,” he said.

Calls for grassroots mobilisation

Several speakers at the event urged supporters to begin political mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle.

In his goodwill message, Alhaji Moshood Mayegun called on citizens to ensure they possess valid voter registration documents.

“Now is the time to build awareness and support for the upcoming election,” he said.

“Everyone must keep their Permanent Voter Cards safe and help others obtain theirs.”

Nigeria’s voter card system is managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which requires registered voters to present a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before participating in elections.

Mayegun said grassroots awareness would be critical.

“Reach out to your neighbours, your friends, your parents and your children so that they can register and participate.”

Youth participation highlighted

Youth engagement was also a central theme during the gathering.

Sunday David, the Lagos State youth representative of the All Progressives Congress, said young Nigerians should play a more active role in politics.

“The future is not something we should wait for,” he said.

“It exists today in the dreams, ideas and voices of young people.”

He encouraged youth participation in governance and decision-making.

“Politics determines education, opportunities and the future. Young people must organise, participate and engage productively,” he said.

Political support messages

Another speaker, Hon. Lanre Ogbe, expressed confidence that the president would retain office in the next election cycle.

“There will be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” he said.

Ogbe also called for widespread mobilisation across Lagos State.

He said supporters were aiming for a significant voter turnout in favour of the president.

“Asiwaju leads and others follow,” he added.

Industry and political reactions

Political analysts say early mobilisation campaigns are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Analysts note that grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement and voter registration drives are often used to build early momentum ahead of elections.

However, observers also say voters will likely judge political campaigns based on economic performance, governance outcomes and policy impact.

What’s next

Nigeria’s electoral cycle means political activity will likely intensify over the next two years.

Campaign groups and political parties are expected to expand outreach efforts, particularly in key states such as Lagos.

For many observers, the coming months will test whether early mobilisation translates into sustained political support.

Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite an overnight attack that destroyed the party’s ward secretariat in his hometown.

The secretariat in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was set ablaze by suspected political thugs hours before Amaechi was due to arrive for his membership registration.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the facility late Thursday night, firing gunshots and setting the building on fire.

Residents reported that the gunmen also blocked the Omuawa–Ubima road early Friday morning, preventing vehicles carrying ADC supporters from entering the community.

Amaechi Proceeds with Registration

Despite the destruction and tense atmosphere, Amaechi still proceeded to his ward to complete the registration exercise.

Eyewitnesses said the former minister arrived in the community and walked towards the gathering point after suspected attackers fled the area.

Amaechi, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation and was previously governor of Rivers State, hails from Ubima.

His move to the ADC marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Don’t Be Violent,” Amaechi Tells Supporters

Addressing supporters who gathered to receive him, Amaechi urged them to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“Don’t be violent because violence may lead to the death of somebody — don’t be violent. At the same time, they can’t stop us from meeting in our community,” he said.

Amaechi also praised the professionalism of security operatives deployed to the area.

“We thank the commissioner of police and the director of DSS; they showed a lot of professionalism. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that from them; I thought they would be behind the criminals,” he added.

He urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.

APC Chieftain Condemns Incident

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, condemned the attack and described it as an assault on democracy.

In a statement made available to journalists, Eze alleged that the attackers were loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He described the incident as “dastardly, undemocratic and cowardly”.

Eze also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

He further criticised what he described as rising political intolerance in the country.

The APC chieftain also questioned the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the federal government must ensure political stability as the country approaches the next election cycle.

Political Tensions in Rivers

Rivers State has long been a centre of intense political rivalry, particularly between Amaechi and Wike.

Both men are influential political figures with strong grassroots networks in the state.

Analysts say the burning of a party office ahead of a political event highlights growing tensions in the state’s political landscape.

Why It Matters

Amaechi’s entry into the ADC could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria.

The party has been expanding its national presence and is positioning itself as a platform for political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

His involvement may strengthen the party’s influence, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

However, the latest incident raises concerns about political violence and security during party activities.

What Happens Next

Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack on the secretariat.

ADC leaders say the party will continue its mobilisation activities in Rivers State.

Political observers believe the incident could deepen political rivalry in the region as the 2027 elections draw closer.