Kunle Adelabu
-Says decision lacks grassroots endorsement
A concerned resident has described the endorsement of the incumbent representative of Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, for another term by the apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as lacking in grassroots acceptance.
He stated that those that constituted themselves into apex leaders that endorsed the aspirant do not have the credibility to give such a mandate.
Barrister Adedamola Goriola, who rejected the endorsement which took place at Prince Abiodun Ogunleye’s Solomade House on Wednesday which was reported by THE IMPACT, also emphasised that Ikorodu people and members of the APC also rejected the decision.
“The people and committed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Constituency I strongly reject the ongoing attempt by some self-acclaimed “apex leaders” to impose an aspirant on the constituency through faceless endorsements and political manipulation.
“It is disappointing that after four years in office, an aspirant seeking another mandate cannot point convincingly to impactful representation and tangible achievements that truly reflect the expectations of the people.”
Stating that people must express their right in choosing who to represent them, Barr. Goriola added that the growing disaffection among the people means that the grassroots voters prefer a people -oriented representation.
“The era where a few individuals assume they can dictate the political direction of thousands of party members is over. Democracy belongs to the people, not political merchants seeking to trade the collective mandate of loyal APC members for personal interests.
“The growing dissatisfaction across the constituency is a clear indication that the people are demanding accountability, competence, visibility, and people-oriented representation.”
The concerned resident, rejecting the decision of the political leaders, said, “More disturbing is the credibility crisis surrounding the so-called endorsement gathering, especially with the calibre of individuals presented as “apex leaders” of Ikorodu Division.
“The absence of respected political figures and established stakeholders such as Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and Babajimi Benson from the endorsement picture raises serious questions about the legitimacy and representational authority of those claiming to speak for Ikorodu APC stakeholders.
“If indeed these individuals possess genuine political influence, the people expect them to channel such energy towards negotiating better political opportunities and strategic relevance for Ikorodu Division instead of orchestrating endorsements that lack grassroots acceptance.”
Barr. Goriola warned the leaders against decisions capable of threatening the peace in Ikorodu, urging them to allow all the aspirants to exercise their capacity at the primary elections as directed by the national secretariat of APC.
“On this note, this open note is a caution to these impostors to desist from acts capable of destroying the peace we currently enjoy in Ikorodu Division, especially as all aspirants are already preparing for Direct Primaries in line with party directives and the Electoral Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We urge all APC members across Ikorodu Constituency I to remain resolute, keep their membership cards ready, and participate actively in the Direct Primaries, confident that the process — not imposition or backdoor arrangements — will determine the party’s flagbearer. The will of the people must prevail,” he said.
