A prominent caucus within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos; The Mandate Movement, TMM, in Oshodi/Isolo Constituencies 1 and 2, has strongly rejected the alleged emergence of Ladi Ajomale as the consensus candidate of the party for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I House of Assembly seat.
The movement, which made its stance known in a communique read at an emergency meeting held on Monday at the residence of its leader and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Chief Muraina Taiwo, in Ilasamaja, frowns at what it called an undemocratic means of imposing candidates, warning that it will resist efforts to subvert the party structure for individual interests.
Theliberationnews reliably gathered that those in the meeting are; lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo 1 in the House of Assembly, Stephen Ogundipe, former Commissioner for Information, Kehinde Bamigbetan, former Commissioner for Works, Ganiyu Johnson, former Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Monsuru Obe, Coordinator Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Oshodi/Isolo LG, Kayode Tinubu, National President of NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, amongst others.
TMM accused rival group, the Justice Forum caucus of unilaterally endorsing Ajomale; the incumbent member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly and son of former party chairman, Otunba Henry Ajomale, without formally inviting leaders of The Mandate Movement.
According to the group, it was neither informed nor invited to the alleged meeting despite being a prominent caucus within the party. It described the development as part of a recurring pattern aimed at sidelining its leadership.
“This recurring pattern strongly suggests a deliberate attempt by the Justice Forum to marginalise TMM leaders in a bid to manipulate the selection of consensus candidates to its advantage,” the communiqué stated.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and the principle of popular mandate, stressing that it unequivocally rejects any form of marginalisation within the party. It also called on the APC leadership to remain vigilant and take decisive steps against actions that undermine internal democracy.
TMM commended the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, for reportedly nullifying the purported endorsement of the lawmaker, describing the move as consistent with established rules guiding party primaries.
The group said it aligns fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2025 and APC guidelines, which allow for consensus arrangements but require direct primaries where consensus fails.
While encouraging aspirants to step down for one another in the interest of unity, the group cautioned that such processes must not be monopolised by any single faction seeking undue advantage.
It further demanded the immediate inauguration of a Constituency Consensus Committee with equal representation from both caucuses to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility.
“As we look ahead, all efforts must be geared towards securing resounding victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates. Unity, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility are non-negotiable,” the group stated.
The group warned that any attempt to divide the party, exclude key stakeholders, or impose candidates through undemocratic means would amount to internal sabotage.
It reiterated its resolve to resist any manipulation of the party structure, pledging to support only credible and widely accepted candidates capable of delivering decisive victories at the polls
