Editorial: Comment Section on MHR 2027 Article Reveals Deep Divisions – A Call for Unity in Oshodi-Isolo APC

The Cost of Discord: Special Report on the Growing Factionalism in Oshodi-Isolo APC

Date: December 29, 2025

When CivicWire.ng recently published the comparative analysis, “MHR 2027: KOK vs. OBE – Who Is Truly Fit for the House of Representatives?”, our intent was to spark a sophisticated, policy-driven conversation. We aimed to weigh the administrative track records of Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan (KOK) and Hon. Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE) against the future needs of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II.

Instead, the comment section became a mirror reflecting a troubling reality: deep-seated political tribalism. Rather than debating infrastructure, legislative agendas, or youth empowerment, the discourse devolved into a toxic exchange of vitriol and character assassination.

As an independent watchdog, CivicWire.ng feels compelled to look beneath the surface of these attacks and sound a note of warning.

Dissecting the Vitriol: An Honest Assessment

Our review of the digital feedback reveals a dangerous trend. Of the interactions recorded:

• The Weaponization of Character (67%): Most comments avoided the candidates’ public service records entirely. Instead, they weaponized personal rumors, using terms like “failure,” “thug,” and “semi-illiterate.” This shift from political critique to personal destruction suggests a move away from democratic debate toward “scorched-earth” campaigning.

• The Cycle of Escalation (25%): Support for a candidate has become synonymous with an attack on the “enemy.” This “camp mentality” creates a feedback loop where every defense of KOK is seen as an insult to OBE, and vice versa.

• The Missing Middle (8%): The near-total absence of neutral, peace-seeking voices indicates that the “silent majority” in Ejigbo may be withdrawing from the conversation, intimidated or disgusted by the hostility of the fringe elements.

The Insight: This isn’t just “politics as usual.” It is a fragmentation that threatens the social fabric of Ejigbo. When supporters trade insults about “atrocities” and personal morality, they aren’t just hurting a candidate—they are devaluing the office they seek to fill.

A Strategic Warning to KOK and OBE Supporters

To the foot soldiers of these two political giants: Your enthusiasm is your greatest asset, but your conduct is currently your candidate’s greatest liability.

1. Guilt by Association: When you use “hate speech” or “gutter language,” the public does not just blame you; they blame the leader you represent. You are making your candidates look like leaders of mobs rather than leaders of men.

2. The 2027 Trap: 2027 is not a sprint; it is a marathon. By burning bridges in 2025, you are destroying the alliances needed for a general election victory. A house divided in December cannot win in February.

3. The Content of Character: If your candidate is truly “fit,” let their work speak. If you must fight, fight with facts. Talk about the schools built, the bills sponsored, and the lives touched. Insults are the tools of those who have no data to present.

The Leadership Mandate: A Call to the APC Hierarchy

The silence of the party leadership in the face of this growing rift is deafening. To the APC elders, executives, and stakeholders in Oshodi-Isolo: Internal democracy should not be a suicide pact.

We urge the constituency leadership to move beyond passive observation. There is an urgent need for a Stakeholders’ Reconciliation Forum. * Set the Standard: Establish a code of conduct for digital engagement among support groups.

• Reaffirm Unity: Remind the rank-and-file that while the primary determines the candidate, the party must win the seat.

• Muzzle the Attack Dogs: Leaders must publicly distance themselves from supporters who use libel and slander.

The strength of the APC in Lagos has always been its discipline and its “Big Tent” philosophy. If the party allows the KOK vs. OBE rivalry to turn into a blood feud, it provides an open door for the opposition to seize the narrative.

Final Thoughts

CivicWire.ng remains a platform for the people. We will continue to report the facts without fear or favor. However, we believe that progress in Ejigbo and the wider constituency can only happen in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Let us return to the issues. Let us debate the future of Oshodi-Isolo with the dignity it deserves. The election is in 2027, but the work of building a united community begins today.

CivicWire.ng Editorial Board Building a better community through transparent dialogue.