Kunle Adelabu
Following his endorsement by the apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Division, for the second term, the incumbent representative of Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, has called for unity in Ikorodu.
He urged the five other aspirants challenging his position to accept the decision of the leaders as good party men and work together with him to achieve success for the ruling party.
Hon. Ogunleye, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Sustainable Development (SDGs) spoke with THE IMPACT at Solomade in Ikorodu, following his endorsement by the leaders.
Speaking on his endorsement with others, the lawmaker said:
”I cannot say that I did not see the endorsement coming because the apex body has been observing and feeling the pulse of the people in terms of endorsement that is going round. Even our President also endorsed the incoming governor and that was a signal to the other hierarchy of the party.
“This will enable us to go to the primary elections as one party, have a united front and prevent chaotic primaries.”
Hon. Ogunleye said that he would reach out to his co -contestants to seek their support and work together in the interest of their party.
He said that he has achieved a lot as a representative in his first term and added that henceforth, his representative and legislative achievements and contributions will be given proper propagation.
“As the incumbent, I understand the need to reach out to my fellow aspirants. They’ve also been testing the waters and observing the mood of the people. Politics is a competition, but at the end of the day, we are all members of the same party.
“I believe when they look at my work and achievements, they’ll understand my position. I have been quiet while in office because one of the first lessons we were taught in the Lagos State House of Assembly was to stay away from unnecessary publicity and focus on the work.
“The Assembly is like the engine of a car. If the car is moving well, nobody checks the engine. I didn’t want to overshadow executive office holders who are directly responsible for executing projects.
“Still, I’ve achieved a lot in office, even though I haven’t publicised many of those achievements. Moving forward, I’ll begin showcasing my work more openly so the people can see what has been done,” he said.
Hon. Ogunleye further urged other aspirants not to create division with their aspirations, rather, he enjoined them to work with him and others endorsed by the leaders so that APC can remain a united front.
“Ikorodu is my home and my heart. No matter where I go in the world, Ikorodu remains where my energy and commitment are focused.
“What we need now is unity. There’s no room for division. I want all aspirants and supporters to come together so the APC can remain strong from the federal level down to the local governments. I appeal to them to support me.
“There will be no losers. We all belong to the same political family, and together we can move Ikorodu, Lagos State, and Nigeria forward,” he appealed.
The first term state legislator said that his campaign around the constituency has been interesting as residents and leaders are giving him and his team warm welcome.
“It has been interesting. We’ve been moving around with party leaders and the people of Ikorodu Constituency I, and the reception has been encouraging everywhere we’ve gone. The apex bodies in the constituency welcomed us warmly, and today’s event has crowned it all.”
The Ikorodu Constituency I representative also called for support for President Bola Tinubu and emphasised the need to cater for youth adequately.
“My message is simple: support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He came into office and made difficult decisions, but gradually the benefits are beginning to show.
“The problems Nigeria faces today didn’t start in three years or even eight years. They developed over decades of poor leadership. Tinubu is different because he has decades of political and administrative experience.
“If we lose focus on the youth, then we are finished as a nation. Development is not just about buildings and roads; it’s about educating people and creating opportunities.
“We saw during the EndSARS protests how quickly things can spiral when many young people feel frustrated and disconnected. Education and proper leadership are critical.
“Lagos remains one of the major centres of development in Nigeria, and because of that, people from all over the country continue to move there. That puts pressure on the state, but Lagos continues to carry the burden,” Hon. Ogunleye said.
