CITIZENS COMPASS— Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency, Lagos State, have strongly opposed what they described as an attempt to impose a candidate on the party against the wishes of members.
The stakeholders made their position known during a press conference held in Alimosho, Lagos State.
They insisted that the democratic choice of the people must be respected and called on President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to safeguard internal democracy within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Kolawole Okedara, Convener of Consolidated All People Grassroots, said the overwhelming majority of APC members in the constituency had voted for the preferred candidate.
“We have confirmed that during the primary election by throwing our weight behind incumbent Rep. Ganiyu Ayuba, as our preferred candidate.
“The endorsement followed extensive consultations and meetings involving party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots.
“Members across the constituency also express their decision through their votes during the recently concluded primary election,” he said.
Okedara noted that the outcome reflected the genuine wishes of party members and represented a mandate that should not be undermined by external influences or political interests.
He maintained that several influential APC leaders and structures within Alimosho had openly thrown their weight behind Ayuba’s candidacy, reinforcing the legitimacy of his support base.
The stakeholders argued that political decisions affecting Alimosho should remain in the hands of those who live, work, and actively participate in the constituency’s political affairs.
They criticized what they described as interference from individuals who neither reside nor vote in Alimosho, warning that such actions could weaken party unity and undermine the confidence of members.
The group stressed that electoral viability and grassroots acceptance should remain key factors in selecting candidates for public office.
According to them, presenting candidates with proven electoral strength is essential to maintaining the party’s dominance and ensuring victory at future elections.
The stakeholders further urged APC leaders to prioritize competence, popularity, and acceptability among party members over any other considerations.
While expressing support for gender inclusion and women’s participation in politics, they maintained that electoral success should not be sacrificed in the process.
They argued that there are numerous opportunities for promoting women within the party while still ensuring that candidates capable of winning elections emerge.
The group also commended the National Executive Committee of the APC for reportedly nullifying a controversial publication which they believed did not reflect the position of the majority of party members in Alimosho.
They described the move as a courageous step that demonstrated the party leadership’s commitment to fairness, justice, and internal democracy.
The stakeholders appealed to President Tinubu and other party leaders to ensure that the mandate freely given by members to Ayuba is protected and respected.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional ruler, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu, the Onikotun of Ikotun urged APC leaders in Lagos State and Alimosho Division to respect the wishes of the people and allow the incumbent lawmaker the opportunity to seek a second term.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Alimosho, Mr. Olufemi Ojo, appealed to party leaders to avoid presenting candidates who would be unable to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the constituency.
Ojo assured the APC leadership of the support of residents and party faithful, provided that the candidate eventually presented enjoys the confidence and backing of the people.
Responding, Member representing Alimosho Ayuba thanked the stakeholders for their support and urged residents to remain united and mobilize support for APC candidates at all levels.
He said the agitation was not about personal ambition but about protecting the collective mandate and democratic choice of the people of Alimosho.
“I came here on invitation to the press conference and I was surprised to see party loyalists yearning for a mandate.
“You heard what everybody has said, from their expression, the idea is not my personal mandate, but the mandate of Alimosho people,” he said.
