By Peter Omopo
Chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege and Orile-Agege Local Council Development Areas have refuted claims of imposition and health concerns surrounding their colleague, describing recent allegations as “cheap blackmail” and “false narratives.”
The candidates addressed the controversies at a press briefing on Wednesday, following protests by some aggrieved party members over the recently concluded APC primaries ahead of the Lagos local government elections slated for July 12.
Akinola Idowu, APC’s chairmanship candidate for Orile-Agege LCDA, defended the integrity of the primary elections, insisting they were “transparent, free and fair.” He attributed the backlash to what he described as the antics of failed aspirants who lacked political sportsmanship.
“The so-called aggrieved group comprises individuals who either recently defected from the PDP or live abroad,” Idowu said. “Politics is local. It is not driven by annual visits or WhatsApp donations.”
Addressing concerns over the health of Agege LG chairmanship candidate, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, and allegations of imposition involving his running mate, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa—son of Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa—Idowu said the claims were baseless.
“It is unfortunate that after their loss at the primaries, these individuals have resorted to blackmail and misinformation,” he said. “We stand by our candidates and urge the public to ignore these desperate attempts to discredit a legitimate process.”
The APC in Agege reaffirmed its confidence in the electoral process and readiness for the upcoming polls.
