LGA: Itire-Ikate Women Group Petitions First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Cites Imposition, Marginalisation, Accuses Vice Chair, Abayomi Daramola

Itire- Ikate Women in Politics has written a strong worded letter to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accusing the state vice chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos Central , Chief Abayomi Daramola over imposition and Marginalisation.

The group said contrary to the widely accepted candidate, Hon Juwon Okeowo as the LGA chairman that was endorsed by the leaders and would help to mobilise for the forthcoming general election, presidential and national assembly and state governor and state assembly respectively, the group said one Eshinlokun is being imposed in the guise of ‘Omo Eko’ factor , which according to them may spell doom.

The group refrenced the previous elections that it was imposition that resulted into election boycott and in some areas the so called ‘Omo Eko Factor’ failed to deliver the votes because of their insignificant numbers in Itire-Ikate.

According to the group, on two occasions when these famed ‘Omo Eko gladiators’ were given the tickets lost election woefully because of lack of electoral values, which is usually based on numbers and not ethnic appelation.

The group appealed to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to use her office as the Mother of the nation to right the wrong and allowed the choice of the leaders in Itire-Ikate in order to ensure massive turn out and electoral victory in 2027.

Below is the full text of the letter.

To:Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu

The First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria,

State House,

Abuja, Nigeria

Your Excellency,

RE: AN URGENT APPEAL ON INTERNAL PARTY DEVELOPMENTS AND THE POTENTIAL ELECTORAL CONSEQUENCES FOR APC IN LAGOS STATE

We write as a concerned and loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respectfully bring to Your Excellency’s attention certain developments within our party in Lagos State which, if not urgently addressed, may have adverse consequences for the fortunes of our great party in future elections.

There is growing concern among party members across several local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State over what many perceive as undue interference in the selection and affirmation of popularly accepted candidates for local government leadership positions.

Reports indicate that in about twelve Local Governments and LCDAs, the wishes of party stakeholders, apex leaders, and grassroots members are being set aside under what is commonly referred to as the “Omo Eko” consideration.

It is particularly troubling that lists of duly endorsed party executives and candidates, which were reportedly approved and signed by recognized apex leaders in their respective local governments, are allegedly being altered by Chief Abayomi Daramola, the State Vice Chairman Central, APC, Lagos State.Such actions have created deep dissatisfaction among loyal party members who have worked tirelessly for the growth and success of the APC over the years.

A case in point is the situation in Itire-Ikate LCDA, where the name of Hon. Juwon Okeowo emerged as the preferred choice of the majority of party leaders and stakeholders.

In Itire-Ikate LCDA, out of the 13 recognized leaders, the overwhelming majority of recognized apex leaders and stakeholders endorsed Hon. Juwon Okeowo is the preferred candidate for the office of Party LGA Chairman for the LCDA. This was after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The endorsement was based on his proven loyalty to the party, competence, political experience, educational qualifications, and acceptability across the LCDA. Among the prominent leaders who signed and supported his nomination are:

Chief D. O. Adenekan (Apex Leader), Hon. Arole Fancy (former member, house of representatives), Elder Francis Fadoju, secretary Itire Ikate Lcda leaders forum, Hon. Sakiru Salami (Former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly), Alhaji Ayinde Kushimo (Outgoing Local Government Chairman), Alhaja Mulikat Ajala (Former Executive Secretary of Itire-Ikate LCDA), Prince Ekundayo Charles, former State EXCO of the party, Hon. Femi Odunayo (Council Chairman), and Hon. Lanre Okunlola (Current Member, House of Representatives).Their collective endorsement reflects the wishes of the majority of party leaders and grassroots stakeholders within the LCDA.

However, there are concerns among the party faithful that pressure is being mounted to substitute this widely accepted choice with another candidate.

This development has generated anxiety among grassroots members who believe that the collective decision of party leaders and stakeholders should be respected in the interest of party unity and electoral success.

Your Excellency history has shown that whenever grassroots members feel marginalized or ignored, the consequences often manifest during general elections through voter apathy, reduced mobilization efforts, and protest votes. Many loyal members fear that a repetition of such circumstances may weaken the APC’s electoral strength in affected constituencies.

It is for this reason that we humbly appeal to Your Excellency, as a respected leader and mother of the nation, to use your good offices to encourage fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for the democratic choices of party stakeholders.

We believe that candidates who enjoy broad-based support within their localities should be given due consideration, as this will strengthen party cohesion and enhance our prospects in future elections.

Our appeal is not motivated by personal interests but by a sincere desire to safeguard the unity, stability, and electoral success of our great party.

We remain committed to the APC and to the progressive ideals upon which it was founded.We trust in Your Excellency’s wisdom and commitment to justice and fairness, and we pray that this matter receives the attention it deserves.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Yours faithfully

,APC Women in Politics/ Stakeholders

Itire-Ikate LCDA, Surulere, Lagos State.