Lagos: The Arewa community in Lagos State has made a fervent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, seeking his intervention in what they describe as an attempt to undermine their structure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as preparations for the 2027 elections commence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, community leaders, along with over 200 members, gathered at the Lagos APC secretariat in Ikeja on Monday. They submitted a petition that detailed their grievances against the party’s state leadership. The petition, titled ‘S.O.S to Our Grand Patron, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Against Attempts to Undermine the Arewa Community Structure,’ was signed by the community secretary, Alhaji Musa Saleh. It was addressed to President Tinubu through Lagos APC Chairman, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, and was received by the party’s secretary, Dr. Adeola Jokomba, in the presence of other state executives, including Deputy Chairman, Chief Moshood Mayegun.
The petition highlighted the community’s critical role in the party’s evolution from AD to AC, ACN, and eventually the APC, noting its formal inauguration in 2021 at Alausa Secretariat by Tinubu. It emphasized the community’s consistent support for the party and its success under the leadership of Mr. Ahmed Kabir Abdullahi. The Arewa community has been instrumental in securing electoral victories for the APC, providing commissioners, special advisers, and councillors across various councils in Lagos where there is a significant Arewa population.
The community expressed concerns over losing their influence and achievements due to alleged failures by the current party leadership under Ojelabi to maintain the structure built by the community. The petition also alleged sabotage by individuals linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political circle, aimed at weakening the community’s influence within the party.
Recalling past interventions, the petition mentioned that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had previously addressed similar issues ahead of the 2023 governorship election, which resulted in improved performance and stronger contributions from the Arewa community in subsequent elections. The group is now urging Tinubu to address the ongoing issues as preparations for the 2027 elections are underway.
The Arewa community is calling for supervisory or special adviser positions in local governments and LCDAs, aligning with established party arrangements. They also highlighted their pivotal role in the APC’s success during the July 12, 2025, local government elections, emphasizing that in some councils, the party’s victory is heavily reliant on the Arewa community.
Abdullahi, speaking after receiving the petition, mentioned that Arewa elders have been encouraged to intervene in resolving the grievances. He assured that the concerns raised would be addressed following consultations with party elders and leaders. Abdullahi described the Arewa Community as essential to Lagos politics and electoral success, serving as a bridge between Lagos and northern Nigeria.