From Adebayo Gbenga, Lagos
Chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege and Orile-Agege have dismissed allegations of imposition and irregularities in the just-concluded party primaries, declaring that the process was transparent, free, and fair.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the APC chairmanship candidate for Orile-Agege, Hon. Akinola Abiola Idowu, described those questioning the legitimacy of the primaries as a “minority group of disgruntled aspirants” who are yet to come to terms with their loss.
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Daily Trust reports that this is coming amidst protest over the outcome of the primaries conducted on May 10, 2025 ahead of the July 12 election.
“The primaries conducted by our party were credible, and we emerged through a democratic process,” Idowu said.
“Those opposing us are mostly failed aspirants, including some who joined the APC recently from other parties. Their aim is to cause disunity by creating a false impression of mass dissatisfaction.”
Idowu also debunked rumours surrounding the health of Agege chairmanship candidate, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, affirming that although he is unwell, the condition is not critical. “Yes, he is currently sick, but he is not bedridden. Illness is part of human life,” he said.
He further criticized attacks on Azeez’s running mate, who is the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
“The only thing they hold against him is the identity of his father, which is not a valid reason to disqualify him, especially given his qualifications and contributions to the community,” Idowu said.
Addressing the claims of internal manipulation, Idowu noted that prominent party leaders from all factions, including Hon. James Faleke of the Justice Forum, were involved in the primaries.
“It is disingenuous for anyone to blame Rt. Hon. Obasa for an outcome that their own faction participated in shaping,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the APC party secretary for Agege and Orile-Agege Local Council Development Areas, Hon. Fatai Olagoke Ajibola, reaffirmed the fairness of the exercise and urged aggrieved members to unite for the party’s success in the July 12 council elections.
“Even if we run the primaries again today, our candidates will still win,” Ajibola stated. “We are members of the same party. The Speaker has extended an olive branch, and we are calling on them to return to the fold so we can move forward together.”
He added that while internal disagreements are normal in politics, it is essential for party members to respect the will of the majority and support the officially recognized candidates.
The APC candidates concluded the briefing with a call for public support and party unity, emphasizing their preparedness to contest and win at the polls.
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