By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Stakeholders from Oshodi and Lagos West Senatorial District have rejected the reported push for Gbeleyi Akinyemi Pat Ayo as a potential deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election, urging leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider a more grassroots-oriented aspirant from Awori land.
The position was contained in a statement issued by concerned Awori and non-indigene stakeholders across Oshodi and Lagos West Senatorial District who appealed to the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the eventual choice reflects political relevance, loyalty, accessibility, and grassroots value.
According to the stakeholders, the Office of Deputy Governor is too strategic to be treated as an afterthought, stressing that the position requires political strength, technocratic competence, and deep connection with party structures and residents.
They warned party leaders against what they described as a parochial approach to the selection process, insisting that loyalty and long-standing contributions to the APC must remain key considerations.
“At this critical juncture, we respectfully urge our leaders not to be parochial in their judgment. The political contribution and long-standing commitment of individuals to the party must be given due consideration,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that the aspirant being promoted lacks grassroots influence and has remained disconnected from party faithful and constituents.
According to them, the individual neither engages party stakeholders nor contributes meaningfully to empowerment within the community, despite seeking political advantage from the same structure.
“We reject a candidate who has never empowered anyone in Oshodi, who is detached from grassroots politics, and who now seeks to benefit from the collective efforts of committed progressives,” the stakeholders stated.
They urged the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to support the emergence of a deputy governorship candidate who would remain accountable, accessible, and responsive to both party members and Lagos residents.
The stakeholders maintained that Awori land has competent and politically experienced sons and daughters capable of complementing the governorship ticket and strengthening the APC’s electoral chances in 2027.
“We specifically reject the candidacy of Gbeleyi Akinyemi Pat Ayo and urge our leaders to look inward in Awori land for a more acceptable, marketable, and politically sellable running mate with proven impact, service to the party, and commitment to human capacity development,” the statement added.
The group, however, reaffirmed confidence in Tinubu and the APC leadership, expressing optimism that the party would ultimately act in the best interest of Lagos State and the progressive family ahead of the 2027 elections.
