Crisis Rocks Lagos APC as Former Chairmanship Aspirants Accuse State Chairman of Disobeying Tinubu’s Directive on N5.5 Million Nomination Fee Refund

Lagos, Nigeria – February 26, 2026 – A fresh crisis is brewing within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as former local government chairmanship aspirants have accused the state party Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, of defying a direct directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refund the N5.5 million nomination and expression of interest fees paid by aspirants during the controversial 2025 local council primaries.

The aggrieved aspirants, under the platform of the Lagos State APC 2025 Chairmanship Aspirants Conference, have formally petitioned President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing the refusal to refund the fees as “an act of political insubordination” that undermines party discipline and internal cohesion.

Background of the Dispute

During the APC primaries for the July 2025 local government elections, chairmanship aspirants were required to pay ₦5 million for the nomination form and an additional ₦500,000 as administrative fee, bringing the total to ₦5.5 million per aspirant. Many aspirants paid the hefty sum in good faith, expecting a transparent process.

Following widespread allegations of irregularities, imposition, and violence in several LCDAs, President Tinubu was said to have intervened and directed that all affected aspirants be refunded their fees as a gesture of fairness and to restore confidence in the party ahead of future elections.

The Accusation

In a strongly worded petition, the aspirants claimed that despite the presidential directive and the moral authority of Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State APC leadership under Pastor Ojelabi has refused to comply. They described the refusal as “outright defiance” and warned that it could damage the party’s unity and President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.

The petitioners stated:

“To disregard such a directive is not merely administrative arrogance; it is an act of political insubordination with far-reaching consequences.”

They further pledged continued loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC while urging immediate intervention to resolve the matter.

Current Situation

As of February 26, 2026, there has been no official response from the Lagos State APC Chairman or the state executive committee. The aspirants have vowed to pursue all legitimate avenues, including further appeals to the national leadership, to ensure the refunds are made.

This latest crisis adds to the series of internal challenges facing the Lagos APC, coming barely seven months after the contentious 2025 local government elections and ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.

CivicWire.ng is monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as the situation unfolds.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Vanguard, The Nation, and official petition statements