LAGOS/(News Investigators) The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has endorsed Senator Gbenga Ashafa for another term, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye told journalists Thursday morning.
Mr. Ogunleye, while speaking to journalists, said the leadership of APC in Lagos had met and affirmed its decision to Mr. Ashafa, serving senator representing Lagos East in the National Assembly for another term.
“They came with too large a crowd to my house. I told them other aspirants have been here. They came quietly and left quietly. I listened to Pepperito and also spoke my mind to him and his entourage for the interest of the APC in the state.
The former deputy governor was referring to the four-term lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency 1, Sikiru Adebayo, urging him to forget his senatorial ambition.
“Nobody can compel me to endorse him. It is not possible. I am a straightforward person. I was away from Nigeria. A particular candidate was endorsed by the leadership that I belong to in 2017. When I returned in 2018, another meeting was called where that endorsement was reaffirmed.”
He said it would be difficult for the party to back aspirants from Ikorodu, Kosofe, Somolu, Ibeju Lekki and Epe.
“We have people from Ikorodu that are contesting but the party has decided. It is not possible to work against the decision of the party and the leaders.”
Emphasizing that Ashafa has served the senatorial district with great distinction, Ogunleye appealed to politicians to eschew violence ahead of the 2019 general election.
He also urged them to desist from maligning the integrity, character or name of opponents.
“For every position, there is only one person that will be there. Whoever wins, we have to support that person.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Senator Ashafa on Tuesday ran for safety as suspected thugs invaded and disrupted activities at the constituency office of the member representing Lagos East Senatorial District, pasting posters of Osinowo on walls of the senator’s office.
Ashafa while condemning the invasion of his constituency office called on his supporters to remain calm.
