In a dramatic turn of events that disrupted political proceedings in Lagos State, the Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, collapsed unexpectedly during a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the party’s state secretariat in Ikeja.
Alabi, who also serves as the Lagos State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), reportedly slumped while addressing a gathering of prominent party members, local government chairmen, and state executives. The incident, which occurred around mid-morning, caused momentary panic as attendees rushed to his aid.
According to eyewitnesses, the council boss had just concluded a passionate segment of his speech touching on local governance and party unity when he staggered and fell. Quick-thinking aides and medical personnel on standby immediately administered first aid before he was stretchered into an ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.
Though details surrounding the cause of the collapse remain sketchy, party insiders believe it may be stress-related or linked to a possible underlying health condition. As of press time, Alabi was reported to have been revived and was receiving further medical attention at a private facility in Lagos.
The APC stakeholders’ meeting, which was convened to discuss key political strategies ahead of the 2025 local government elections and to review ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts, was briefly suspended following the incident.
A senior APC official, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, expressed concern over Alabi’s health, describing the incident as a “wake-up call on the rigors of political leadership.” He added, “Chairman Alabi has been a dedicated leader. We’re praying for his full recovery.”
Kolade Alabi is a prominent figure in Lagos politics and national grassroots governance. As ALGON chairman, he has consistently advocated for local government autonomy, grassroots development, and improved inter-governmental cooperation. In March 2024, a Federal High Court upheld his leadership of ALGON following a protracted legal tussle, reinforcing his position as a key voice among Nigeria’s 774 local council leaders.
He has also recently been vocal about the rising economic pressures faced by local councils, particularly in relation to inflation and the cost of food. In a recent interview, he lamented the burden being placed on the urban poor by food vendors and market forces. “We cannot watch our people starve while traders inflate prices,” he had said, calling for greater policy interventions.
As news of the incident spread, political leaders, associates, and constituents took to social media to express their well wishes, with #KoladeAlabi trending briefly on X (formerly Twitter). Many described him as a tireless grassroots mobilizer and a loyal party man.
While the APC has yet to issue an official statement, party sources confirmed that a press release would follow after consultations with Alabi’s family and medical team.
The Lagos State Government has also been reportedly briefed, and sources say that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been in touch with the council chairman’s family to monitor his condition.
The unexpected health scare involving Hon. Kolade Alabi underscores the physical demands of public service and the importance of healthcare monitoring for leaders at all levels. As Nigerians await further updates, there is widespread hope for his swift recovery and return to public duties.