Ado-Odo/Ota APC Members Demand Fairness In Chairmanship Selection Amid Allegations of Political Manipulation

Daud Olatunji

As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area (LGA) has become a battleground for what many see as a decisive moment for the future of the region.

PLATFORM TIMES reports that the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court decision mandates that only local governments with duly elected leaders will qualify to receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation’s account. 

This ruling has prompted a flurry of political activity in Ado-Odo/Ota, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to nominate its candidate for the upcoming chairmanship election. 

However, allegations of political interference and manipulation have cast a shadow over the selection process, leading to unrest among party members and the electorate.

The APC in Ado-Odo/Ota had initially set up a Screening Committee, led by Senator Kamal Odunsi, to assess the qualifications of prospective candidates.

 The committee’s task was to identify a candidate who embodies integrity, public acceptability, and the capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy. 

After a rigorous screening process, the committee recommended Engineer Odunlami Muritala Oladapo, also known as Omo-Oka, who scored 92%, as the most suitable candidate. 

He was followed by Hon. Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko with 82%, while Hon. Wasiu Lawal, a former caretaker chairman, scored 52%.

However, tensions escalated when another committee, the Nomination Committee, reportedly discarded the Screening Committee’s recommendations and moved to impose Hon. Wasiu Lawal as the APC’s candidate. 

Lawal is perceived by many as a favourite of Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. 

This decision has sparked accusations of political favoritism and concerns that the Deputy Governor’s influence is being used to secure a pliable candidate who will further her political ambitions, particularly her rumored bid for a Senate seat.

Party leaders and members have expressed outrage over what they describe as a blatant disregard for due process. 

A senior party figure, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented that the Nomination Committee’s actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

 “This is the third time the Deputy Governor is imposing her choice on us. It’s a slap in the face of Ado-Odo/Ota, which has so many qualified and capable sons and daughters,” he said.

The situation has also drawn the ire of local youth groups, who argue that the imposition of candidates has led to poor governance and a lack of development in the LGA.

 Dada Ismail, a youth advocate, warned that the youth are prepared to mobilise against any attempt to subvert the will of the people.

 “We will not stand by and allow a third-place candidate to be foisted on us because of selfish interests. Ado-Odo/Ota deserves better,” he said.

Amid growing discontent, party members and youth groups are calling on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the APC state leadership to intervene and ensure that the Screening Committee’s recommendations are upheld.

 They warn that failure to do so could lead to political unrest and jeopardize the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

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