Four All Progressive Congress aspirants representing Ikorodu Constituency 1 for the Lagos State House of Assembly have pulled out from the race to give their support to a rival.
The former aspirants: Nurudeen Agbaje, Adeleke Akadri, Jumoke Jumbo and Aruna Balogun, on Saturday, gave their support to a son of a former deputy governor of the state, Gbolahan Ogunleye.
Ogunleye will now square it out with the incumbent, SOB Agunbiade at the party’s primary election.
SOB Agunbiade, a sitting majority leader, is in the race for a fifth term at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
One of the former aspirants, Agbaje described the the decision to step down as a painful one, but one he was compelled to take as a symbol of respect to the instructions of a party elder.
He, however, confirmed that the former aspirants have all taken a unanimous decision to throw their weights behind Ogunleye for the good of the constituency.
“The idea today is very painful. I accepted after a series of consultations and appeals by party leaders, especially by our apex leader, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
“Initially, I believed this is my time to showcase myself. I believe my chances are very bright.
“Our candidate, Ogunleye is a man with a reputable character like his father, who is the apex leader of the party in the constituency.”
Also speaking was Balogun, a former Lagos State commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affair, who conceded that the decision on his part as well was a tough one to make.
He, however, charged delegates to support Ogunleye for he is coming with a pedigree.
In his response, the aspirant, Ogunleye appreciated the former aspirants for their selfless decision while vowing to carry out beneficial projects, if elected, for the people of Ikorodu Constituency 1.
He promised to bridge the gap between the state government and the local government as much as he intends to give the people an all-inclusive representation if elected.
Ogunleye urged all APC members to get their Permanent Voters Card to decide who will represent them at Lagos State House of Assembly.
