Forum accuses APC aspirant of parading self as candidate

• It’s not true, says Olabinjo

YOUTHS under the aegis of Ifako Ijaye Youth Forum have appealed to leadership of the Lagos chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) to call on Mr. Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, to stop presenting himself as the candidate of the party to the state Assembly in Ifako Ijaye Constituency 2.

   Olabinjo lost the election in last month’s House of Assembly primaries. 

   However, in his reaction, Olabinjo denied the allegation, saying the matter was a party issue and that APC would soon take a decision on it.   

   The Forum in a statement released at the weekend, signed by its President and Secretary General, Messrs Abiodun Alatishe and Godwin Agu, alleged that Olabinjo has been parading himself as the candidate of the party by pasting posters within Ifako Ijaye Constituency 2, which it said is a violation of the Electoral Act.

   The Forum further said the authentic candidate for the area is Mr. Rasheed Makinde, who, it said, defeated three other aspirants in the December 2nd, 2015 House of Assembly primaries to win the APC ticket.

   Besides, posters, the group further explained that Olabinjo in flagrant disregard for the party has been moving from one neighbourhood to another within the constituency campaigning for votes, when, indeed, he is not the candidate of the party.

   When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of APC in Lagos State, Mr. Joe Igbokwe said he was not aware of the development but would get in touch with the local council’s party chairman for details.

   “As you know, Lagos APC is so big that I cannot know everything that is going in every local council. As I am speaking to you now, I am on my way to Ikorodu for a rally,” he said.

   The forum explained that all efforts by party leaders at the ward and local council level to call Olabinjo to order has proved abortive, hence the need for the intervention of the party at the state level.

   The development, according to the statement was capable of causing crisis within the party and supporters of Makinde, who may see Olabinjo’s action as an affront on the collective decision of party delegates, who duly elected Makinde.

   Makinde Rasheed scored a total of 107 votes to defeat Olabinjo, who scored 93 votes and the incumbent, Ahmed Ipoola Omisore who got four votes and Bakare Olakunle coming last with three votes.

 According to the APC result sheet for the State House of Assembly Primaries in Ifako Ijaye Local Government 2, with reference no: APC/NHQ/LG/0601, number of accredited voters: 214,total votes cast:212 and valide votes 212.The result was signed by the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Mrs.Bosede Adepitan and Secretary Primary Election Committee.,Mr.Adesina Afeez..