By Adesakin Adefemi
Stakeholders in the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress have accused the camp of Femi Gbajabiamila of attempting to impose a preferred female aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat.
The allegation was made on Sunday by party members who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The stakeholders claimed the selection process has been skewed in favour of the unnamed aspirant ahead of the primaries. They said the move sidelines Desmond Elliott, the incumbent lawmaker representing Surulere 1 constituency.
According to them, intimidation and threats are being used against party members who oppose the arrangement. They alleged that appointees and loyalists risk losing their positions if they fail to back the preferred candidate.
“Nobody should play God in Surulere politics. The arrogance of power must stop. Party members should be allowed to choose their candidate freely,” one stakeholder told TheCable.
The group also questioned the role of Sharif Balogun, chairman of Surulere LGA, whom they accused of directing ward chairmen and executives to mobilise support for the aspirant. They argued that the council chairman should remain neutral.
“How can a council chairman leave his work and be following an aspirant around? Leaders should create a level playing field, not openly take sides,” another stakeholder said.
The stakeholders further claimed that loyalists of rival aspirants have been removed from party structures and excluded from council empowerment programmes. They described the actions as an attempt to weaken opposition within the party.
Earlier this month, some political stakeholders in Surulere 1 declared support for Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, former aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The endorsement has added to tensions in the constituency ahead of the primaries.
Party members called on APC leaders to ensure a level playing field and allow a free contest. They said the credibility of the primaries would determine the party’s chances of retaining the seat in 2027.
