APC Stakeholders Want Restoration of Hon. Ogundipe’s Mandate, Warn of Deepening Oshodi-isolo Crisis
Concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government in Lagos State have called on the national and state leadership of the party to urgently intervene in the lingering political crisis within the local chapter and restore Hon. Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe (OMOJ’OMOLO) as the party’s authentic candidate for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency-01
Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Stakeholders Forum and The Mandate Movement (TMM) Alhaji Kehinde Olorunoje, made the call at the APC Oshodi-Isolo Stakeholders Forum in Lagos on Saturday.
It is recall that the Collation Officer, Prince AbdulRasaq Omolaja, on May 21 after the primary election, officially declared Ogundipe, popularly known as Omojomolo, as the duly elected APC flag bearer after polling 11,939 votes out of a total of 15,030 votes cast during the exercise.
According to the results announced at the Legislative Hall, Oshodi Local Government Secretariat, Ogundipe defeated former Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, who secured 3,086 votes in the keenly contested primary.
Omolaja stated that the outcome of the exercise confirmed Ogundipe as the party’s candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly election representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency-01 in the 2027 general election.
Reacting, the stakeholders expressed concern over what it described as the continued disregard for the outcome of the APC primary election, warning that the situation could undermine party unity and electoral strength in one of Lagos State’s key APC strongholds.
The stakeholders argued that Ogundipe, a ranking member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Information Strategy and Security, remains the most qualified and electable candidate for the constituency.
They cited his legislative experience, grassroots support, and loyalty to the APC as reasons why his mandate should be respected.
According to the group, denying recognition to a candidate widely believed to have emerged victorious in the primary election sends the wrong signal to party members who have remained loyal to the APC over the years.
The statement also raised concerns about the actions of the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof.
The stakeholders alleged manipulation of party structures, imposition of officials, arbitrary removal of party executives, and suspension of some party elders, claiming these actions have contributed to growing tension within the party.
Among the specific grievances highlighted were the alleged substitution of Ogundipe’s name after the primary election, alterations to the list of Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) and Supervisory Councillors, and the removal of party officials without due process.
The group further questioned the credibility of ongoing reconciliation efforts, insisting that any peace process must be led by neutral and impartial individuals who were not directly involved in the dispute.
To resolve the crisis, the stakeholders demanded the immediate restoration of Ogundipe’s mandate, an independent investigation into the disputed primary election, the establishment of a neutral reconciliation committee, and a review of all actions alleged to be inconsistent with the APC Constitution.
They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, APC Lagos State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and other party leaders to intervene and prevent further division within the party.
The stakeholders maintained that their campaign was not targeted at any individual but was aimed at protecting internal democracy, rewarding loyalty, and preserving unity within the APC.
“History has shown that injustice breeds bitterness, while justice builds unity. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.
An APC member, Mrs Josephine Okpara told newsmen that were gathering here today because they want Hon. Ogundipe mandate as the APC Candidate for Oshodi-Isolo constituency 02 restored
She said: “We, the APC faithfuls in Oshodi-Isolo, are saying no to Ogundipe not coming back for second term. We want him back because he has been good to everybody.
We are begging. You can see the number of people that are here. They have come to say their grievances to our party leaders. We are begging.
The men are begging, the women are begging, the children are begging that we want him back. Only him can do it because he is our mandate.”