Comrade Michael Olasoji, the Chairman, Africa Action Congress (AAC), Ikorodu Local Government, was the party agent for his party’s Presidential candidate and the popular civil rights activist/pro – democracy campaigner, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, at the last February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, in lkorodu.
He spoke with Publisher/Reporter-in-Chief, THE IMPACT newspaper, Kunle Adelabu, after the election, stating that the election was a protest votes against the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
THE IMPACT: What is your view about last Saturday’s election?
AAC Chairman: Last Saturday’s election was an election of protest. People came out massively to vote for the candidates of their choice. It was also an election that availed the people the opportunity to tell the ruling party that they are not happy and are tired of the party. It was an election against injustice, hunger and poor governance.
THE IMPACT: APC candidates were announced as the winners for the House of Representatives and Senate in Ikorodu and Lagos East respectively, what is your party’s position?
AAC Chairman: To be sincere, APC Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates campaigned well at the grassroots, but they are lucky because our party AAC and LP did not contest for those positions. It wouldn’t have been easy for them. But I am sure, they would tighten their belt now, because people are now politically conscious.
THE IMPACT: Your party candidate, Comrade Sowore, did not perform well in the Presidential election in Ikorodu, what do you think were accountable for this?
AAC Chairman: Yes, our party did not receive votes as expected, and that was due to the challenges we faced in getting back our party from those that hijacked it, that really affected our campaign a little bit. Though, we may not have won Ikorodu, our ideas were not defeated. We would go back to the drawing board and restrategise. We are a revolutionary party, we don’t give up, we would continue to preach the good gospel of our ideas to the people of Ikorodu, and I assure you that they would reason with us, and be on our side in the coming election. That’s the beauty of democracy.
THE IMPACT: Obi, the Labour Party candidate, won the election in Lagos, is it surprising to you. Do you see it coming?
AAC Chairman: LP winning Lagos is surprising and is a good development, and that will make our democracy improve and beautiful. Like I said the other time, it was a vote and election of protest against injustice and the failed APC government. Lagosians are tired of the APC government and desperately looking for alternatives.
THE IMPACT: How prepared are your candidates for the Governorship and Assembly elections against the ruling APC and the Labour Party’s onslaught?
AAC Chairman: AAC as a party is preparing towards the coming Governorship and Assembly elections. We have campaigned around lkorodu and Lagos generally. We have preached our manifesto to the people of Ikorodu and Lagos, and l am very sure victory is certain. People are hungry for good governance and alternatives. We are the alternative they are waiting for. AAC would make Ikorodu and Lagos proud generally.
