APC members protest ‘imposition’ of Lagos assembly member contesting fifth term

Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have protested against an alleged imposition of Rotimi Olowo by some party stakeholders in the state.

Olowo, a member of the state house of assembly representing Somolu constituency 1, is contesting for a fifth term in office.

The party members, who held a rally across the constituency on Wednesday, said the state executives of the party should provide a level playing field for all aspirants to contest.

Speaking to journalists during the rally, Ifejowo Adeyemi, a leader of the party in Somolu, said Olowo has served in the state assembly for 16 years and should allow other members to represent the constituency in 2023.

“It is a pity it has to come this way. I remember when we started with him. We never knew it would be a torturous journey that will end this way. He served under three governors: Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu and we feel it is time for him to go so that other aspirants can come in,” Adeyemi said.

“Our take is that he should go home. Let other fresh brains come and serve the people. He needs to bow out honourably.”

Olugbenga Abdullahi, APC chairman in Somolu LGA, said the APC state executives must listen to the grievances of the members and avoid the imposition of an aspirant on the constituency.

“The people are pouring out their grievances. As a party leader, you must listen to your followers. You can see the crowd. I have to join them because I don’t want the party to lose. We must listen to them. That’s why I’m joining the crowd and you can see how peaceful it is,” Abdullahi said.

“Their grievances was inflicted by the state chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi. He’s trying to impose a candidate on the others. There are about eleven candidates in Somolu LGA. And what we are saying is that you must give all the candidates a level playing ground to be able to exercise their democratic rights. Olowo should come and contest.

“We are making out grievances known to the national leadership of the party. In an attempt to impose Olowo, the party will be taking a very huge risk. There’s a little to which a single person can do. The party should allow him contest on his own merit. Don’t impose him on us. There must be fairness. He has done 16 years and that’s enough.”