Residents of Ikoyi-Obalende have voiced their dissatisfaction with the selection of Mr. Bola Oladunjoye as the consensus chairmanship candidate in the just conclude APC primaries.
The community has criticised Oladunjoye, accusing him of political opportunism and alleging that he only surfaces during election seasons, disconnected from the daily lives of the residents.
“We don’t know him, and he doesn’t know us,” one local remarked, reflecting the widespread frustration over the lack of community involvement in the candidate selection process.
In a fervent appeal, the residents have urged President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the local leadership process genuinely reflects the wishes of the people—especially those who have remained loyal supporters of the party and contributors to local development.
Hajia Farida Lawal, a long-time resident of Eleshin Street in Obalende, expressed her dismay: “After all our unwavering support for the party throughout the year, why is it that, during every leadership selection, a few elite figures impose candidates who have no real connection to our community?”
Adding fuel to the fire, Mr. Tijjani Shehu, a resident of Ikoyi and employee of a multinational firm, raised concerns over the credibility of the vote tally: “How did Mr. Seun Akapo, who withdrew from the race and was absent on election day, manage to receive five votes, while another candidate garnered 18, despite only 20 delegates being accredited? The numbers simply don’t add up.”
Party insiders also challenged the legitimacy of the so-called consensus, revealing that an aspirant, actually received 13 votes, while Mr. Oladunjoye garnered only 7.
Community leaders stressed that the true strength of local government lies in active grassroots participation.
They cautioned that the imposition of candidates lacking broad-based support not only undermines democratic principles but also risks eroding public trust in the APC in the lead-up to future elections.
The residents have called on the party leadership to reconsider the selection process and allow for the emergence of credible, community-backed candidates, warning that failure to do so may lead to voter apathy in the next electoral cycle.
