Supporters of Lagos State House of Assembly member, Gbolahan Ogunleye, on Friday staged a protest at the Lagos State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demanding a review of the outcome of the party’s primary election for Ikorodu Constituency I.
The protesters, drawn from various wards within Ikorodu Central, converged on the APC secretariat at Acme Road, Ikeja, alleging that the outcome of the primary election did not reflect the wishes of party members who participated in the exercise.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators insisted that Ogunleye, who is seeking a second term in the Lagos State House of Assembly, secured the highest number of votes during the primary election and should have emerged as the party’s candidate.
The protesters alleged that another aspirant, Bolowotan, was declared winner despite not securing the majority of votes cast during the exercise.
Speaking during the protest, the Woman Leader of Ward B, Ikorodu Central, Ayomide Banjoko, said party members and residents mobilised massively to support Ogunleye during the primary election.
According to her, supporters were shocked when the party announced a different candidate as the winner of the contest.
“We came out in large numbers and voted for Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye because we believe in his leadership and the work he has done in the constituency. We were therefore surprised when another name was announced as the winner,” she said.
Banjoko appealed to the APC leadership to review the outcome of the primary and ensure that the candidate who genuinely won the election is recognised.
Another supporter, Davis Oluwaseun, said the protest was organised to express dissatisfaction with what she described as an unfair outcome.
She alleged that there were irregularities in some parts of the primary election process and called on the party leadership to investigate the complaints raised by Ogunleye’s supporters.
“We have submitted petitions and raised our concerns through the appropriate channels. What we want is for the party to look into the matter and ensure that justice is done,” she said.
Oluwaseun further argued that Ogunleye’s performance during his first term in office earned him widespread support among constituents who are seeking continuity in representation.
Also speaking, Iyabo Oduntan described Ogunleye as a grassroots politician who has impacted many lives through his legislative and community development efforts.
She urged the APC leadership to carefully examine the complaints surrounding the primary election and take steps to address the grievances of party members in the constituency.
According to her, supporters remain convinced that Ogunleye enjoys overwhelming support in Ikorodu Constituency I and should be given the opportunity to continue the programmes and initiatives he has started.
The protesters vowed to continue pursuing all legitimate avenues within the party to seek a review of the primary election outcome.
The APC is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by the protesters.
