Alimosho APC stakeholders back Ayuba, reject imposition

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Alimosho Federal Constituency have rejected what they described as attempts to impose a candidate on the party, insisting that the democratic wishes of members must prevail.

The stakeholders made their position known during a press conference in Alimosho, Lagos State, where they urged President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protect internal democracy within the party.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Convener of Consolidated All People Grassroots, Mr Kolawole Okedara, said the majority of APC members in the constituency had already expressed support for the incumbent lawmaker, Rep. Ganiyu Ayuba, during the party’s primary election.

“We confirmed this during the primary election by throwing our weight behind the incumbent Rep. Ganiyu Ayuba as our preferred candidate.

“The endorsement followed extensive consultations and meetings involving party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members.

“Members across the constituency also expressed their decision through their votes during the recently concluded primary election,” he said.

Okedara said the outcome reflected the genuine wishes of party members and represented a mandate that should not be undermined by external interests or political interference.

He maintained that influential APC leaders and party structures within Alimosho had openly supported Ayuba’s candidacy, reinforcing the legitimacy of his support base.

The stakeholders argued that political decisions affecting Alimosho should remain in the hands of those who live, work, and actively participate in the constituency’s political activities.

They criticised what they described as interference from individuals who neither reside nor vote in Alimosho, warning that such actions could weaken party unity and erode members’ confidence.

According to the group, electoral viability and grassroots acceptance should remain central considerations in selecting candidates for public office.

They added that presenting candidates with proven electoral strength was essential for maintaining the party’s dominance and securing victory in future elections.

The stakeholders also urged APC leaders to prioritise competence, popularity, and acceptability among party members when making decisions.

While expressing support for greater female participation in politics, they argued that electoral success should not be compromised in the process.

According to them, there are several opportunities to promote women within the party while ensuring that electable candidates emerge.

The group further commended the APC National Executive Committee for reportedly nullifying what they described as a controversial publication that did not reflect the wishes of the majority of party members in Alimosho.

They described the decision as a courageous move that demonstrated the party leadership’s commitment to fairness, justice, and internal democracy.

The stakeholders appealed to President Tinubu and other party leaders to ensure that the mandate given to Ayuba by party members is protected and respected.

Speaking on behalf of traditional ruler Oba Azeez Gbadabiu, the Onikotun of Ikotun urged APC leaders in Lagos State and Alimosho Division to respect the wishes of the people by allowing the incumbent lawmaker to seek a second term.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Alimosho, Mr Olufemi Ojo, urged party leaders to avoid presenting candidates who would be unable to deliver meaningful democratic dividends to the constituency.

Ojo assured the APC leadership of the support of residents and party faithful, provided that the eventual candidate enjoys widespread acceptance and public confidence.

Responding, Ayuba thanked stakeholders for their support and called on residents to remain united and mobilise support for APC candidates at all levels.

He said the agitation was not about personal ambition but about protecting the collective mandate and democratic choice of the Alimosho people.

“I came here on invitation to the press conference, and I was surprised to see party loyalists yearning for the protection of their mandate.

“You heard what everybody has said. From their expressions, the issue is not my personal mandate, but the mandate of the people of Alimosho,” he said.