By Reporters
The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Primary Election in some constituencies of Lagos ended peacefully, with winners pledging grassroots development, if elected into power.
The constituencies include
in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1; Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II, Ajegunle; Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, and Somolu Constituency I.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that voters turned out en masse and patiently waited for hours for the election to start.
The election was by endorsements of candidates who the voters said they had confidence in.
After his election, Mr Oluwa Sabur, who contested for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1, pledged to intensify efforts toward community development.
Sabur made the pledge while speaking with NAN during the party’s primary election in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1.
NAN reports that there was massive turnout of supporters for Sabur across the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 1 during the primary.
It also reports that the opponent, Mr Olatunji Oluwa was present at the voting venue with very few supporters.
Sabur, who described the outcome and massive support as overwhelming, said the support from the party members and residents reflected their confidence in his leadership.
He assured the residents of improved representation and more commitment to constituency development.
“For this kind of landslide victory, it only shows that there is confidence in me and I cannot do anything but to work harder for the community and the constituency.
“I plan to dedicate myself more to the work that I have been employed to do and even do it better,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Mr Olalekan Akindipe said the residents were united in supporting performance and continuity.
“The reward for good work is more work and that is why we are here to support him en masse and ensure he gets his re-election ticket to the House of Assembly,” Akindipe said.
The LG Chairman advised Sabur to intensify efforts in attracting more developmental projects to Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
“My advice for him is to continue to lobby more for the people of Ajeromi so that he can bring more projects and development to complement efforts of the local government,” he said.
Speaking, a Stakeholder, Mr Walad Edore, urged the supporters to subsequently come out enmass in 2027 to give the aspirant their support
Edore expressed confidence in Sabur’s ability to provide quality representation if re-elected, citing his empowerment programmes and contributions to community development and Ajeromi-Ifelodun council at large.
“This is just the primary election. We are expecting to also come out in our numbers to support him in the 2027 general election next year. I’m confident that he will represent us well and bring more developments to the constituency,” Edore said .
The election was peaceful in the constituency.
The voting exercise at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency II, Ajegunle, which held at the Local Authority Primary School compound was also conducted peacefully without hitches.
NAN reports that the security personnel and voters conducted themselves orderly during the exercise.
Most of the voters queued behind the poster of their preferred candidate, Mr Akanbi Oluwa, the incumbent member representing the Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
There were no posters, nor followers of the opposing candidate, Mr Fatai Oluwa, visible during the exercise.
Also, in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, party members passed a vote of confidence on the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale.
Speaking after the voting exercise in his ward, Alh. Mudashiru Oladele, the Chairman, APC Ajao Estate Ward G, said that Ajomale had performed beyond expectations, in spite of the fact that he was a first-time member of the House.
Oladele said that the lawmaker facilitated the interlocking of about five roads in Ajao Estate and implemented empowerment initiatives across the constituency.
According to him, Ajomale also influenced employment opportunities for youths and attracted projects, including boreholes, to several communities.
“For that reason, he deserves to return. If you go across the constituency, you will see projects he has attracted and the impact he has made,” he said.
Oladele expressed optimism that a second term would enable the lawmaker expand on existing achievements and deliver more development projects.
Also speaking, Mr Chidiebere Pius, a former Vice Chairman of Ajao Estate Ward G, said that the lawmaker had delivered visible infrastructure projects across Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate and other parts of the constituency.
Pius said that a second term would provide an opportunity for Ajomale to complete ongoing projects and address areas yet to benefit.
He urged the lawmaker to prioritise renovation of public primary schools, improve sanitation facilities and strengthen healthcare interventions, if re-elected.
Also, the Chairperson of the electoral committee, Mrs Kafayat Gbadamosi, said that the process was free and fair.
Gbadamosi said that accreditation and voting were conducted transparently, with verification of membership slips before votes were counted.
She commended party members for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
The past and present chairmen of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area also endorsed Hon. Oladipo Ajomale for the Lagos State House of Assembly
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Taoheed Adebayo participated in the exercise at Ejigbo Mini Stadium, Ejigbo.
Also in attendance were Hon. Monsuru Bello, the immediate past chairman Ejigbo LCDA, and Ajomale, the incumbent Member, state House of Assembly.
Speaking to NAN, Adebayo, the Ejigbo council boss, said for Ajomale to emerge the consensus candidate showed that he was representing his constituents well.
Adebayo affirmed that the endorsement exercise was a testament to how Ajomale was loved by his constituents.
“You can see he is running unopposed, and we believe that if given another chance, he will do more and consolidate on the gains of his first term.
“I know that at the end of the day, our people will be happy,” he said.
Hon. Monsuru Bello equally told NAN that Ajomale becoming the sole candidate of the party was based on his excellent performance during his first term.
He said that for the quality representation and hope Ajomale had given his constituents, he deserved to be endorsed and re-elected.
“He is a vibrant young man who knows his job, and we believe he will bring more dividends of democracy and governance to his people.
“Nobody showed interest to run against Ajomale when it was thrown up. It means they are satisfied with his good works, so I congratulate him,” he said.
Bello stated that the APC had improved on internal democracy and promised quality representation for his constituents.
In Somolu Constituency I, the APC primary was also held peacefully, though amid tight security.
Some party leaders, ward chairmen and executives, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the monitoring exercise, said the process was orderly and violence-free.
They noted that security personnel were strategically positioned across voting centres to maintain law and order.
The electoral officers and materials officials arrived at different wards in the constituency at about 2:45 p.m.
The aspirants for the constituency include Mr Abiodun Orekoya, the incumbent member, Lagos House of Assembly, representing Somolu Constituency 1; Mr Gbolahan Bagostone and Mr Remi Ogbara.
Mr Lateef Ashimi, Chairman, Somolu Local Government, said the turnout of members was encouraging and commended security agencies for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise.
“We are satisfied with the conduct so far because members are freely participating without intimidation.
“The security arrangement is commendable and the process has been calm,” he said.
However, Mrs Kafilat Afolabi, former party Publicity Secretary, ward D in Somolu Constituency 1, expressed reservations over the outcome of the exercise.
She alleged that some candidates appeared to have favour with influential party leaders.
“Some members believe the process has been predetermined and that consensus decisions will influence the emergence of certain candidates.
“If this is so, then the party needs to improve internal democracy to give every aspirant equal opportunity,” she said.
Another party chieftain, Mr Sikiru Bamidele, said that, although, the exercise was generally peaceful, party leaders should allow more consultations with grassroots members.
“Many members are not against consensus, but they want broader participation and transparency in decision-making.
“That will reduce complaints and strengthen confidence in the party,” he said.
Mr Rasheed Lawal, the Ward Chairman, Ward G in Somolu Constituency I, urged aggrieved members to remain calm and embrace dialogue in the interest of party unity.
He said that lessons learnt from the exercise would help improve future primaries.
“We can always do better by carrying everyone along and ensuring that members feel adequately represented in the process.
“What is important is maintaining the unity and progress of the party,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Edited by Christiana Fadare
