Crisis Rocks Lagos APC as Party Members Split over Aspirant

For those who follow Lagos Politics religiously, the news in the last couple of months regarding Lagos House of Assembly Lawmaker, Desmond Olusola Elliot, has not been palatable, especially coming from within his Surulere axis, according to City People.

This is due to serious opposition to his bid for a 4th term in office. The Lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1 would need a big miracle to emerge victorious at the primaries when it’s held.

Several Political pressure groups and stakeholders are reportedly against his 4th term ambition. At the forefront of the group is the Surulere Accountability Forum, SAF, who argue that his 12 years in office have not sufficiently addressed local infrastructure decay or youth unemployment. They also alleged weak policy impact and stagnation, while noting that the only visible development Surulere has enjoyed in the last couple of years is the one carried out by the President. Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.The youths are simply demanding new leadership.

The pressure also seems to be mounting as strong politicians within the constituency are looking to replace him at the Lagos State House of Assembly with other young and enterprising politicians with solid pedigree within the axis.

Prominent among the aspirants is President Tinubu’s Personal Assistant on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Kareem Omotayo, a politician with strong grassroots support within Surulere and even beyond. Her job of bridging the gap between government and its citizens and promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu has endeared her to many stakeholders within the Surulere constituency 1 who believe that she has all it takes to deliver to them the development that has been lacking in the last 12years under Elliot’s watch. A few residents who spoke to this magazine attest to her accessibility in times of crisis affecting residents. She has reportedly, through her office, paid several medical bills of distressed residents and managed their welfare.

Another strong name being touted is Hon.Barakat Odunuga Bakare, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s SA on Housing. Just like Khadijat, the 40yr old Lawyer also commands a good grassroots followership within Surulere, having served as Councilor at a time at the Surulere Local Government. Barakat, insiders allege, has the support of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who, before now, had been the backbone of Elliot since his ascension into the Lagos House of Assembly. Those who know one or two things about the crisis say Gbajabiamila’s game plan is to have a strong replacement if and when Elliot eventually fails to get the party’s nod. Barakat’s achievements also speak volumes. As the leader of the Legislative arm of Surulere LG, she was instrumental in the passing of over 25 bylaws, which the residents enjoy to this day. She has strong support from women’s groups within the axis.

Perhaps Elliot’s bigger headache is a recent statement by the Lagos APC to give special considerations to female aspirants who have strong grassroots followership while vowing to improve gender representation.

Besides the two female aspirants, one other person who was seen as Elliott’s biggest rival would have been Oladipo Rilwan Jaji, a suave young politician who, stakeholders saw as an ideal replacement.

A couple of weeks ago, Jaji was the name on the lips of everyone in Surulere, both old and young, but with the entrants of the two powerful women, the coast appears gloomy for the 43-year-old Jaji whose foundation has provided succour for many within the axis. His colorful campaign posters and billboards still adorn the streets of Surulere. From Akerele, Alhaji Masha, Bank -Olemoh/Shitta, Ganiyu Dawodu areas, his candidacy was on the front burner.

Although Jaji has not spoken openly about any dropped ambition, investigations reveal he is being pressured to drop it and support either of the two women who emerge, so as not to lose out completely. However, many of his supporters, mainly the youths, are having none of it. They have vowed to work against the party if the leaders impose anyone against their will.

Investigations reveal that Jaji has committed so much financially in his campaign structure, only for the leaders to convince the other female aspirants to throw their hats in and test the waters while his fate hangs on a string. His followers are asking him not to step down for anybody while urging him to go all out and contest the primaries with other aspirants.

Recently, the state APC chairman, Pius Ojelade, said the party has adopted direct primaries as the primary option for selecting candidates for the Senate, House of Reps, Governorship, and State House of Assembly seats. They have also not ruled out consensus arrangements upon agreement from among candidates.

Some insiders, however, reveal that despite the emergence of the 3 candidates, the party may still settle for Elliot and allow for a fourth term, which automatically elevates him to a top 3 leadership position in the Lagos State House of Assembly, including the speakership. That, however, remains a tall order as the crisis within the party deepens with no clear resolution in sight.