APC Primaries: Mass Defection Looms, As Imposition Of Candidates Rocks APC

By Akinwale Kasali

A repeat of the last Lagos State Chairmanship Election primaries of the All Progresssives Congress, APC, where Imposition of Candidates was the order of the day by, allegedly, the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stalwarts of the Party in the State, has  played out.

After days of protests over the electoral process during the Primaries, and the unfortunate incidents that happened at the different Wards, urging the APC leadership not to impose any Candidate,  the APC leadership has announced winners in the 20 LGA’s and 37 LCDAs that would hoist the Party’s flag at the Chairmanship Election.

The Primaries which were marred by violent protests and disparities had left the Party in crisis as some elections were declared inconclusive while some were proposed to be completely repeated.

The exercise at Somolu Local Government Area,  was greeted by days of brutal attacks on perceived opponents, destruction of property and arson allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums loyal to a popular candidate, Bowale Sosanmi, the incumbent Vice chairman who lost to the incumbent Chairman, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu popularly known as Dullar.

Apart from numerous cases of assaults and grievous body injuries, properties worth millions of Naira, including houses and cars were vandalised by angry youths who were unhappy with the election results.

The result of the Ojodu LCDA which has been at the front burner of massive protest because of the circumstances leading to the alleged imposition of Segun Odunmbaku, son of Cardinal Odumbaku, a strong APC loyalist and stalwart, has been announced as the APC Candidate in the LCDA. The Party denies any imposition.

Kafayat Funmilayo Layeni, KFL, a strong contender who received massive support from Hon. Abiodun James Faleke, Member House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, who was KFLs financier, Youths, Market Women, Women and Artisans saw her hope dashed, despite winning her Ward convincingly.

Her Ward was the only place the primary election took place out of the six wards in the area, but sadly, she was denied the ticket as a result of, alleged, imposition and Political power play.

With this development, many people think  a mass defection is looming in the Lagos State APC, as the Candidates denied the tickets are set to join another political parties to challenge the APC Candidate.

Rafiu Ponle, the Assistant Youth Leader in Ojodu LCDA,   said the mandate of the people has been stolen in broad day light and there isn’t any need staying in a Party that lacks transparency, and is undemocratic.

Also Femi Adeniran, an APC member said that the APC leadership is toying with members’ intelligence.

“When you know you are selecting Candidates why then did you tell us to go for Primaries. It is disheartening. This is not democracy. We the youths in APC will leave the Party for them to run. Their time is Up’, he said.

Meschach Irele, lending his  voice said, “APC leadership in Lagos State usually call itself a true Democrat, but it baffles one what would be the basis of picking a winner when there was zero Election in all polling units allegedly.

“We the youth will leave the Party enmasse and leave the so called leaders and their children to vote. It is so annoying and wicked. They don’t even respect us. Haba”.