Kunle Adelabu & Oladapo Ayoola (Trainee)
Prince Shakirudeen Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, an aspirant for Ikorodu Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Saturday, officially declared his intention to contest the forthcoming primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prince Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan announced that his aspiration is anchored on “A Greater Ikorodu” plan of action, at the well-attended declaration rally held at the Ikorodu LG Open Ground opposite the Post Office, Ita -Elewa, Ikorodu, where he also pledged never to disappoint Ikorodu people and give them quality representation.
Bolowotan who spoke before a large audience of party leaders and members, sought their support for the APC adoption of him as its candidate for the Ikorodu Constituency I, come 2027 General Elections.
“With profound humility and a firm sense of duty, I am here in your presence today to declare officially my intention to represent Ikorodu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the banner of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
”Emphasising that his aspiration is anchored on a greater Ikorodu agenda, Bolowotan who is a former Director -General, Lagos State Sports Commission and sports promoter, pledged to use his legislative power to bring about progress and developments if elected into office.
“My aspiration is anchored on a clear vision; A GREATER IKORODU. A future where legislation is not abstract, but a living instrument that protects our people, empowers our youth, strengthens our communities, and drives sustainable development. The role of a legislator is to be the voice of the people, to provide oversight that ensures accountability, and to craft laws that translate into progress.
”This is the responsibility I seek to carry, with passion and commitment, for the good of Ikorodu,” he pledged.
He sought the support of party leaders and members for his emergence as its flag bearer in the 2027 General Elections.
Bolowotan specifically mentioned some leaders for their leadership direction within the APC in Ikorodu Division.
“Today, I humbly seek the support, endorsement, and adoption of our great party, the APC, to become its flag bearer for Ikorodu Constituency 1. With your trust and backing, we can build on the foundation laid by our leaders and chart a new course toward a greater Ikorodu.
”It is pertinent that I acknowledge and appreciate the Apex leadership of Ikorodu, ably led by His Excellency Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State. I equally appreciate Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Baba Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Senator Tokunbo Abiru and Honourable Babajim Benson MHR for their exemplary leadership, mentorship, and steadying of the ship of our party.
“Your guidance remains an inspiration to me and other party members, and I remain deeply grateful for your dedication to our collective progress. Hence, I invite you all to join me on this journey. With your prayers, encouragement, and support, we will make history together.
”Thank you and God bless Ikorodu, God bless Lagos State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The aspirant also acknowledged massive support from Alhaji Enifeni Badru. APC chieftain and Alhaji Rilwan Jinadu, APC leader in Ikorodu among others.
The Director -General, Bolowotan 6Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Kabat Ajalogun described him as a wonderful man who has been engaging in sports and community development .
He said that during his time as the Director -General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Bolowotan facilitated two stadiums in Ikorodu, one of which is nearing completion in Igbogbo while the other was situated at the then Lagos State Polytechnic now Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
He said that he facilitated employment for many residents of Ikorodu into the sports commission.
While stating that he is a man of the people and someone that always listens, Alhaji Ajalogun has assured constituents of Ikorodu Constituency that the aspirant if elected will not disappoint.
He appealed to party leaders and members to give him maximum support during the primary elections.
Former Chairman, APC Ikorodu Central LGA and a chieftain of the party in Ikorodu, Alhaji Rilwan Ishola Jinadu, was in his usual no -nonsense and direct self when he said that all the aspirants into the race are distinguished and competent sons and party members but added that Bolowotan stoodout from others.
While openly declaring his total support for Bolowotan, Alhaji Jinadu also hinted that there are many other leaders that preferred to work behind the scene for him and urged members of the party to vote for him at the primary poll.
Hon. Sesan Dada, coordinator of Cityboy Movement in Ikorodu and former Vice Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA and Mrs Funmi Basorun, an APC chieftain that also took to the podium to address hundreds of the party members also declared their total support for Bolowotan with assurance to members that he is the best candidate and won’t disappoint.
At the rally were the Chief Imam Ikorodu Division, Sheikh Sefiudeen Oloworiobi, GAC chieftain, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe represented by Alhaji Murphy Oshikoya, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Social Development, Comrade Lekan Oba, APC chieftain and former Secretary, APC apex body, Ikorodu Division, Alhaji Badru Enifeni, former Council Leader, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Banwo.
Also present were Hon. Hameed Owolabi, Secretary, Bolowotan Campaign Group, Hon. Sunkanmi Oshinowo, Hon. Adedeji Osho, Hon. Okemati Azeez Adeola, Hon. Ayo Balogun, Alhaja Risikat Oloyede, and Hon. Azeez Awesu.
Various political groups from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West including Network Global Alliance, WAABCO Group, Tinubu Project ’27 Support Group, Awesu Group, Pathway Group and Dominion Team among others attended the rally.
