As the race for local government leadership in Lagos State gathers momentum, a civic group, the League of Lagos Democrats (LLD), has raised alarm over what it described as a plot to undermine democratic principles in Ikeja Local Government Area.
The group, during a press conference held Thursday at the Bar Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) building in Ikeja, accused House of Representatives member Abiodun Faleke of plotting to impose his preferred candidate on the electorate.
The LLD called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that democracy is not trampled at the grassroots level, particularly in his home local government.
Speaking on behalf of the League, the Convener, Dr Babatunde Adebisi, urged President Tinubu to rein in Faleke and uphold the spirit of free and fair elections.
Adebisi argued that any form of political imposition would not only erode public trust but also threaten the democratic reforms the president has championed.
“President Tinubu must not allow the gains of democracy he worked so hard to build to be eroded by undemocratic actions.
“We are calling on him to urgently call Hon. Faleke to order and ensure that Ikeja is not turned into a playground for political manipulation,” Dr Adebisi said.
According to Adebisi, Faleke is allegedly propping up three candidates in a bid to confuse voters and split the opposition.
Among the names mentioned while the press briefing lasted were Edward Arogbonfo and Omotayo Aderinola, whom the group claimed are unknown to party leaders in the area.
The third and favoured aspirant, Akeem Daduda, is reportedly Faleke’s top pick.
The group criticised the alleged manoeuvre as an affront to internal party democracy and a betrayal of the principles upon which the All Progressives Congress (APC) was built.
“This is not what President Tinubu stands for. The President believes in empowering the grassroots.
“What is happening in Ikeja is the opposite of that vision,” Adebisi said.
The LLD also referenced a stakeholders’ meeting held two days earlier at the APC state secretariat on Acme Road, where it claimed consensus was reached on promoting free and transparent elections.
It warned that allowing imposition to prevail in Ikeja would send the wrong message and set a dangerous precedent across the state.
“As concerned citizens, we have watched with dismay the creeping return of political godfatherism, especially in council elections.
“What is at stake in Ikeja is more than just a chairmanship seat. It’s about whether democracy truly belongs to the people,” Adebisi noted.
The group emphasised that the implications of any form of rigging or candidate imposition in Ikeja, a council that holds symbolic importance as the President’s home base, would reverberate beyond Lagos.
“If imposition succeeds in Ikeja, it suggests the President is complicit or indifferent.
“That’s why we are speaking out now. This is his local government, and the world is watching,” Adebisi declared.
The LLD concluded by reaffirming its rejection of Faleke’s alleged “imposition agenda” and demanded a level playing field for all aspirants.
“We want an election where every candidate can compete fairly, and where the people’s will, not political strongmen, determine the outcome.
“Anything less would be a betrayal of democracy,” Adebisi stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to respond to the controversy as the election date draws closer.
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