A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Somolu Constituency II, Hon. Samuel Apata, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to review the outcome of the party’s recent primary election, insisting that the result announced did not reflect the actual votes cast by party members during the exercise.
Apata made the appeal during an interview with The Octopus News in Lagos, where he also expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The lawmaker, who has consistently aligned his legislative activities and constituency programmes with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, said he remained committed to advancing policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents of Somolu Constituency II.
Speaking on the primary election, Apata said available records from the exercise showed that he secured a clear victory over other contestants, adding that he was surprised by the final result announced by the party.
According to him, figures recorded during the election indicated that he polled 9,081 votes, while another aspirant secured 677 votes, yet the latter was eventually declared winner.
Apata said the development had raised serious concerns among his supporters and party members within the constituency.
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“I do not know who is responsible for what I consider a distortion of the actual outcome of the election. What I know is that the records available to the APC electoral officers and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission clearly showed the result of the exercise,” he said.
The lawmaker maintained that he won the contest convincingly and urged the party leadership to investigate the circumstances surrounding the declaration of the result.
According to him, the source of the figures eventually announced remains unclear, making it necessary for the party to review the process and address the concerns raised by stakeholders.
Apata stressed that his call for a review should not be interpreted as an act of disloyalty to the APC, noting that he remains a committed member of the ruling party and a firm supporter of President Bola Tinubu.
He described the President as a political leader whose vision and leadership style continue to inspire many elected officials across the country.
“I believe strongly in the ideology of President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu remains my hope, and I believe the party leadership will do what is right. My appeal is for justice and fairness because I am convinced that I won the primary election,” he stated.
Apata further called on the APC leadership to review the outcome of the primary election across affected constituencies in Lagos State to ensure that the wishes of party members are respected.
The legislator also reflected on his political journey, noting that he has remained active in grassroots politics for many years.
According to him, he participated in political activities during the era of prominent Lagos political figures, including the late Femi Agbalajobi, Dapo Sarumi and Yomi Edu.
He recalled contesting twice for the chairmanship of Bariga Local Council Development Area and making two previous attempts to secure a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly before eventually succeeding in 2023.
“I was eventually given the opportunity to represent my people after my fourth attempt at elective office. That experience taught me perseverance, patience and dedication to public service,” he said.
Apata highlighted some of the projects and initiatives he has facilitated since assuming office, including empowerment programmes for women, youths, artisans and other residents of Somolu Constituency II.
He also cited infrastructure interventions within the constituency, including the renovation of Ariyo and Grace streets in Bariga, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of six schools.
The lawmaker noted that he sponsored an amendment to the appropriation law designed to improve project delivery by allowing contractors access to a larger percentage of project funds at the commencement stage.
According to him, his experience over the last three years has strengthened his understanding of legislative processes and governance.
He said he is seeking another term in office to consolidate on existing achievements, complete ongoing projects and pursue legislative initiatives already before the House.
“I have learnt a great deal about lawmaking and representation in the last three years. The experience has prepared me to do even more for my constituency. I am seeking a second term because there are projects and legislative interventions that I want to complete for the benefit of my people,” Apata said.
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