Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-He’s our choice because he’s doing good – APC leaders
Stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their thousands across the Lagos East Senatorial District have unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in the senator representing the district, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, by electing him unopposed as the consensus candidate of the party.
The affirmation which took place on Monday, at Ikorodu Town Hall, and across other locations in Somolu, Kosofe, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe local government areas, attracted massive turnout by the party faithful and delegates, indicating strong support enjoyed by Senator Abiru within the ruling party in Lagos East.
In Ikorodu, the motion to adopt Sen. Abiru who was the sole aspirant as the APC candidate, was moved by Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, Deputy apex leader, APC Ikorodu Division and was supported by Hon. Abike Dabiri -Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, GAC chieftain and Prince Abiru Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State. He was subsequently affirmed by the thousands of APC leaders and members at the primary election ground, who echoed the affirmation with their membership cards raised up.
With his victory at the primary election, Abiru has clinched APC Senatorial ticket for the third term.
Reacting to the affirmation, Senator Abiru expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths, delegates, and members of the APC family across the senatorial district for the confidence reposed in him.
He described the overwhelming support as a reflection of the collective commitment of party members and residents to the continued growth, development, and progress of Lagos East and Lagos State at large.
“I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming show of love, loyalty, and support.
“The massive turnout and solidarity displayed today is a clear reflection of our shared commitment to the continued growth, development, and progress of Lagos East and our dear Lagos State,” Abiru stated.
The senator also paid glowing tributes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as focused and visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to progressive ideals, and sacrifices toward the growth of the APC and the nation.
According to him, President Tinubu’s leadership continues to inspire many public office holders across the country.
Abiru further noted that the affirmation belongs to every committed party member and resident who believes in the collective vision for a more prosperous Lagos East.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every committed party member and every resident who believes in our collective vision for a more prosperous Lagos East,” he added.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to delivering impactful representation, people-centred governance, and sustained development across the district. He said, “By the grace of God, I remain committed to delivering impactful representation, people-centred governance, and sustained development for our people. Together, we will continue to move Lagos East forward.”
Hon. Abike Dabiri -Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, commended the large turnout in the primary elections so far, stating that Abiru is a man of the people.
“Here we are for the Senatorial District primary which is actually unopposed, but you can see everybody turn out in large numbers.
“For us in Lagos, the direct primary has gone very well, and you know what this means we can’t take it for granted, power has been transferred through the grassroots. This is what we are doing. From the Ward everybody is saying we want this person, what this means is that it deepens our democracy, and ensures participatory democracy. So, I am glad to be from Ikorodu, and am sure Senator Abiru will be glad too that he has people turned out for him in large numbers,” Hon. Abike said.
Former Permanent Secretary, and also former Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, also affirmed that Abiru has represented the district very well and deserves to be returned.
“There is nothing to expect other than we are all voting for him 100%. This is just an endorsement, everybody will go and vote for him. Sen. Mukhail Abiru has done a good job and that is why you are seeing the result today. Therefore, I expected nothing from him but a good performance.
“I am expecting victory across the Lagos East for Abriu, he has performed wonderfully all over the East Senatorial District and as at today (Monday), nobody has challenged him.
“Before today, he has been endorsed by all the East Senatorial LGAs, and has a result, what do you expect again other than winning? Otunba Olukoga asked.
Sir David Olabanji Sunmoni, former Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University (LASU), also speaking, said that the overwhelming support for the senator was as a result of his quality representation.
“He has been giving us the dividends of democracy, and good representation at the senate level and we are sending him back to become a principal in the senate. So, we are very happy and delighted with him.
“Unanimously, we are here to endorse him; to show that we are surely behind him and tell him that he is doing good, and doing good for us, and that we are very happy with him.”
He commended the primary process as peaceful and well -organised.
“This has been very peaceful, you can see that we are all excited, happy and joyful, because he has done very well for us and we are happy to say this is our son in whom we are very well pleased.
“The victory is unanimous in Ikorodu, and all over the Lagos East Senatorial District, it is the same story, everywhere be it in Shomolu, Kosofe, and Epe, everywhere, it is the same story that he has done good.”
Princess Folashade Olabanji -Oba, Commissioner, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, also speaking at the Ikorodu Town Hall, the venue of the Ikorodu phase of the primary election, said:
“The evidence is here, we are all here peacefully, participating, and showing our love for Sen. Abiru. One of the main reasons why he is being returned is due to his performances. We all call him Mr DoingGood.
Most Distinguished Senator Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru has done well. You cannot see him without smiling.
“In all the Senatorial District, I mean the 16 local governments and the LCDAs, the choice is the same. So, its not just about promises, it is about delivering and performing very well.”
