AFAC 79 Launches Initiative to Unite Fractured APC Factions in Alimosho, Lagos

The Alimosho Founders Advisory Council, known as AFAC 79, has initiated a formal effort to reconcile conflicting factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. The council’s chairman, Ade Babalola, announced the launch of this reconciliation drive during the official unveiling of AFAC 79 in Lagos on Friday. The primary objective of the initiative is to prevent further fragmentation within the ruling party and to consolidate its members into a cohesive political force capable of effectively competing against opposition groups in the region.

Babalola stated that the group was established specifically in response to ongoing disagreements and crises among members of the APC in the council area. He emphasized that the council consists of descendants of the founding members of the political party and is committed to fostering peace and unity. According to Babalola, the group foresaw the potential for internal strife and took proactive steps to address it, aiming to strengthen the party’s standing in Alimosho.

Background

The history of Alimosho Local Government Area is central to the council’s mandate. Babalola noted that the group’s ancestors were among those who requested the creation of Alimosho LGA in 1979, during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as the Governor of Lagos State. He recalled that during that period, the area was characterized by peace and stability. In contrast, he described the current situation as one where different factions are turning against one another, warning that a divided house is bound to collapse.

The council’s focus on reconciliation is also linked to recent electoral history. Babalola expressed determination to prevent a recurrence of the divisions that affected the APC during the 2023 general elections. The group aims to ensure that such internal conflicts do not undermine the party’s future performance. Additionally, Babalola reflected on broader Nigerian political history, attributing some of the country’s current challenges to military rule. He specifically cited the administration of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon as the most effective military regime the country had experienced. He also praised the regional system of government that existed prior to the creation of states, arguing that this structure fostered greater national unity. Furthermore, he highlighted the contributions of former Governor Jakande to education and development in Lagos State, citing the expansion of educational opportunities and the growth in the number of colleges during his tenure as key achievements.

Why it matters

The internal stability of the APC in Alimosho is critical for the party’s political viability in the area. By seeking to unite aggrieved factions, AFAC 79 aims to create a united front that can better withstand challenges from opposition parties. The council’s intervention is significant because it addresses the root causes of party disunity, which have previously impacted electoral outcomes. Babalola described the successful launch of the council as a significant step toward achieving these objectives, expressing gratitude for the peaceful and honorable achievement of their aim. The group has stated its intention to continue pursuing this peace movement to ensure long-term stability within the party structure in Alimosho.