Residents and community leaders in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State have condemned the alleged imposition of Mr Lukmon Agbaje as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the 12 July local government elections.
At a press conference, community leaders described the move as unfair and undemocratic, insisting it disregards the achievements of the incumbent chairman, Ladi Oluwaloni.
Mrs Busola Dada, a community leader, said: “We gather here today not out of anger but from a deep love for justice, fairness and the truth. We are not against the party; we are against injustice, imposition and political marginalisation — especially when it disregards competence, performance and the popular will.”
Dada insisted that in just two months in office, Mr Oluwaloni has made a considerable impact on the community. She explained that salaries were now promptly paid, workers’ morale was high and services were improving. Initiatives under his leadership include a massive sanitation drive, road repairs and palliative works in Ishefun, Megida and Baruwa, and the clearing of drainages and illegal dumpsites.
She also highlighted financial support provided to 507 small businesses and artisans through a micro-grant scheme, and the opening of the chairman’s office to community stakeholders for regular feedback sessions. The health sector has also received a boost, with the delivery of an ambulance and renovations at health centres.
Mr Segun Olufilo, another community leader, called on APC chiefs to reconsider their decision and allow Mr Oluwaloni to continue his work. “He has supported traders and opened doors to the community. These are not promises; these are results. Why should we discard him now?” Olufilo asked.
Seyi Martins, a youth leader, described the imposition of a new candidate in place of the incumbent as unfair and called on the party to reconsider its decision. “How can a sitting chairman be demoted to become a deputy under an imposed candidate?” Martins said. “We appeal to the party leadership to allow our chairman to continue serving the community.”
