Kunle Adelabu
The former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Oyeniran Bolanle Agunbiade, popularly called “SOB”, has denied ever endorsing the aspirant for the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. AbdulKareem Shittu or any other aspirant for the position.
Agunbiade, who represented Ikorodu Constituency l for 16 years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said that as a disciplined and principled leader, his decisions are guided by due process and party supremacy, and not unilateral approach.
In a rejoinder published on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform on Saturday, he denied the endorsement of Shittu during a courtesy visit which he said was just a consultation visit, but was reported by one Gbenga Agunbiade, as an endorsement.
”Our attention has been drawn to a publication titled, ‘Game Changer: Ex-Lagos Majority Leader Hon. Sanai Agunbiade Breaks Long Silence, Throws Full Weight Behind Shittu’, authored by one Gbenga Agunbiade.
”Ordinarily, we would have ignored such a misleading and sensational piece. However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and the preservation of the well-earned reputation of our principal, Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
”At no point did Hon. Agunbiade make any public or private declaration of “hundred percent support” for Hon. Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu or any other aspirant, as falsely claimed in the said publication. The visit referenced was purely a courtesy call, consistent with the long-standing political culture of consultation, respect, and engagement for which Hon. Agunbiade is widely known”, the ex lawmaker.
Agunbiade emphasised that with his experience as a party chieftain, he is well grounded in the provision of the Electoral Act and process of chosing a candidate by his party.
”It is important to emphasize that Hon. Agunbiade remains a disciplined, principled, and highly respected political leader, whose approach to political matters is guided by due process, party supremacy, and collective decision-making—not impulsive or unilateral endorsements.
”Furthermore, as a seasoned legislator and experienced party man, Hon. Agunbiade is well grounded in the workings of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly as it relates to the adoption of direct primaries or consensus arrangements. These frameworks clearly underscore that the party, as an institution, plays the central and decisive role in the emergence of candidates—not individual endorsements or personal declarations.
”It is, therefore, inconceivable that a leader of his standing would act in a manner that undermines established democratic processes or preempts the collective will of the party”.
He described the reportage of the visit and endorsement as an attempt to mislead the public.
”The attempt to portray a routine visit as a game-changing endorsement is not only grossly inaccurate but also a deliberate effort to mislead the public, distort political realities, and create unnecessary tension within the political space”.
Agunbiade, who was the pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Majority Leader Forum, reinstated and further emphasised that he has not endorsed any aspirant, and that he will always be guided by the supremacy of the party and the laid down process.
He urged the author and other circulating the misguided information to desist from the falsehood.
”For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Agunbiade has not endorsed any aspirant. He remains committed to the supremacy of the party and its internal democratic processes and he will continue to engage all stakeholders with fairness, neutrality, and responsibility.
”We, therefore, urge the author and purveyors of such misinformation to desist from dragging the name of Hon. Agunbiade into speculative political narratives aimed at gaining undue advantage.
”Members of the public, party faithful, and political observers are advised to disregard the publication in its entirety, as it does not reflect the position, words, or intent of Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade.
”Hon. Agunbiade remains focused on his enduring commitment to service, integrity, and the collective progress of our political family and community”, he said.
