News Investigators/ Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency have opposed what they describe as an attempt to impose a candidate on the party against the wishes of members.
They expressed the position at a press conference organised by leaders and party members on Thursday in Alimosho area of Lagos State.
They called on President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene and uphold internal democracy within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Mr Kolawole Okedara, Chairman, Consolidated All Peoples Grassroots Movement, a political group in the area, maintained that majority of APC members in Alimosho had overwhelmingly endorsed Rep. Ganiyu Ayuba as candidate.
According to him, the decision was reached during a constituency meeting attended by key party leaders and stakeholders across the constituency and reflected during the primary election.
He said the endorsement of Ayuba reflected the genuine wishes of party members, noting that he secured overwhelming votes during the selection process .
He described the outcome as a clear mandate that should be respected by all party leaders.
“Several influential APC leaders and structures within Alimosho support Ayuba candidacy.
“Politics in Alimosho should remain the responsibility of local party leaders and members,” he said.
Okedara criticised alleged interference by individuals who neither resided nor voted in the constituency,saying the action undermined the autonomy of the local party structure.
He emphasised that electoral success should remain the primary consideration in selecting candidates, warning against decisions that could jeopardise the party’s chances at the polls.
” We call on APC to prioritise candidates with proven electoral value and widespread acceptance among party members,” he said.
He expressed support for gender inclusion, but insisted that it should not come at the expense of electoral viability.
Okedara argued that there were several ways of promoting women inclusion within the party while still ensuring the selection of candidates capable of winning elections.
He commended the National Executive Committee of APC for reportedly nullifying a publication presenting an aspirant not backed by members as winner of the primary.
The stakeholder urged President Tinubu, the APC national leadership, and other party elders to protect the democratic process and ensure that the mandate given to Ayuba is respected.
He warned that any attempt to overturn the decision of the majority could amount to a betrayal of internal democracy and potentially weaken the party’s electoral strength in Alimosho.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu, the (Onikotun of Ikotun) appealed to APC leaders in Alimosho to respect the people’s choice and allow the incumbent to represent them for second term.
Speaking , Mr Olufemi Ojo. Chairman Community Development Committee in Alimosho, appealed to the party leaders to desist from presenting a candidate that would not bring the dividends of democracy to the constituency.
“We give our assurance to the president and leadership of APC of our votes if the rightful candidate is presented,” he said.
Responding, Ayuba, Member representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, commended the stakeholders for their support and urged them to always keep faith with APC
He called for support for President Bola Tinubu,saying the president was trying his best to reposition the country.
The lawmaker thanked party members for the support ,promising to reward their support with performance.
NAN
