Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
The incumbent President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, secured 78, 049 votes from the members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ikorodu, in the Presidential primary election.
The election, which was held across the 19 political wards of Ikorodu Local Government, went peacefully with members of the ruling party voted massively for President Tinubu.
According to the official result by the party, the other Presidential aspirant, Mr Stanley Osifo, managed to poll 1127 votes.
Many of the APC chieftains and public office holders that participated in the exercise, commended the process and described the overwhelming support as an affirmation of continuity of President Tinubu’s government by the people.
Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, chieftain of Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and former Minister of Works, who voted at Ward C1, Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo, described the primary process as credible and transparent.
“One must appreciate the party at the national level for encouraging the e-registration of members. At the ward level, we know the total number of registered members, because everything is stored in the computer system. Members have cards and only registered members are allowed to vote during the primaries.
“As you can see, the process is easy, credible, and transparent. Once you can identify yourself as a party member, you are eligible to vote. The process has been very well organized”.
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen Tokunbo Abiru, also speaking at Ward A4, APC Secretariat in Ikorodu where he joined other party leaders and hundreds of APC members to vote for President, said that the exercise was reaffirmation of continuous progress of the country under a purposeful leader.
“The successful conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the collective commitment of party members towards sustaining purposeful leadership, national stability, economic growth, and the continued advancement of Nigeria”.
Abiru commended the leadership of the APC, electoral officials, and party faithful for their dedication, maturity, and orderly conduct throughout the process, while also stressing the need for continued unity among party members, expressing confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu, and the progressive ideals of the APC.
Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, incumbent representative, Ikorodu Constituency I, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, who exercised his civic duty to his party at Ward A1, Etunrenren Primary School, Ikorodu, said that the participation was massive.
“The turnout has been massive. If you look around, you will see a large crowd of people present here today. The counting process is still ongoing, so I cannot give exact figures yet, but the participation has been very impressive.
“Members in Ikorodu are rooting for the return of President Bola Tinubu for the second term”, he said.
The Executive Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega, also commended the massive turnout in Ikorodu for Tinubu.
“There are a lot of people here, and there are many others all over the voting wards in Ikorodu. The turnout is massive, and it shows strong support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The APC remains a party of strong influence, and people are clearly showing their commitment”.
Hon. Gbenga Oshin, a former member, Lagos State House of Assembly and chieftain of APC, also speaking at Ward C1, Igbogbo, stated that:
“To be candid, I expected more people to turn out today. However, the turnout we have seen is still impressive. Even though I expected a larger crowd. I must commend those who came out to participate in the primary election today”.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, after casting his vote at Ward A4, in Ikorodu, also lauded the massive turnout for President Tinubu.
“Well, as you can see, what is happening here in Ward A4 also known as the “Lion Ward”, is very impressive. A large number of people have turned out from different groups and camps to show support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
“It reflects loyalty, appreciation, and strong political support for his leadership. Right now, the support base is very solid”.
Comrade Japheth Odesanya, the Coordinator, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ikorodu Division, also speaking with our reporter at Ward A1, Ikorodu, said that the massive turnout for Tinubu represents people wanting continuity of good governance.
“People should expect continuity in infrastructural development and continuity in progressive representation at all levels,- the Senate, House of Representatives, State Assembly, and even at the councillors’ level.
“They should also expect more from our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. By the time he begins his second term, much more will be achieved. We are confident about that”.
Princess Basirat Banjoko, Council Leader of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA and Councilor representing Ward C1, also speaking, stated that:
“As you can see from what we have witnessed here today, the process has been peaceful. This is an internal party exercise meant for party members, so there are no strangers here. Since the exercise began, everything has been orderly and peaceful”
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