In what looked like the clearest indication yet as to where the pendulum would swing in the upcoming primary election for the All Progressives Congress ticket in Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency, opposition maybe forgiven if they face the contest with trepidation.
The reasons are not far-fetched. On Thursday at the Local Authority Primary School, Ago-Hausa in Ajegunle Apapa, headquarters of the Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, more than 3000 stakeholders from the constituency gathered to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, the Hon. Paul Adeboye Kalejaiye, PhD for re-election.
The stakeholders, according to inside sources, were drawn from key stakeholder groups within the party. Traditional rulers, artisans, community development associations, market leaders, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Berger Business Community, Arewa, Ndigbo, South-South are some of the groups that were well represented.
So also are party leaders, elected and appointed officials, party executives and members from across the 11 electoral wards. The House of Representatives primary election could be a formality.
Dictating proceedings, Bashorun Fatai Ayoola, the erstwhile Council Chairman of the Local Government stated that as humans, one cannot rule out shortcomings from people in positions of authority. He said whatever errors that have been noticed in the last three years shall be corrected when Hon. Kalejaiye is returned to the House.
He said this is the home state of the President and we should be at the forefront pushing for his support. He subsequently called for an endorsement of the President and lawmaker, a move that was unanimously affirmed with stakeholders raising their hands.
Former occupant of the Reps seat, Prince Taiwo Adenekan congratulated the incumbent, saying the crowd showed his wide acceptability by the people.
Prince Rabiu Oluwa, the Governor’s Advisory Council leader appealed for unity and commended the supporters for their exemplary conduct.
Speaking at the endorsement, the Hon. Kalejaiye said he had come to thank them for their support which propelled him to the seat for the first term and he was there to let them know that he wishes to be returned for the second.
He appreciated the massive turnout of leaders and followers and urged everyone to continue to mobilize ahead of the primary election.
Signed
Valiant Samson Idowu-Alaba
