Leadership of Justice Forum in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Lagos State, has strongly refuted the claim of marginalization levelled against it by the rival caucus within the All Progressives Congress (APC), The Mandate Movement (TMM).
TMM had in a press conference held in Ilasamaja area of Lagos on Monday accused Justice Forum of unilaterally endorsing the incumbent member representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale without duly carrying leaders of The Mandate Movement along.
The group, according to its leader, Chief Muraina Taiwo, said that it was neither informed nor invited to the alleged meeting where Ajomale was announced as the party’s consensus candidate for a return to the house of assembly.
Meanwhile, at a counter press conference conveyed at the party’s secretariat on Onawale Street, Ire-Akari, on Tuesday, Justice Forum described TMM’s allegation as an act of bully and calculated manipulation.
Justice Forum, in a communique read out by one of its leaders and apex leader of APC in Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Otunba Ismail Jide Oni, expressed dismay at TMM’s alleged machinations when, “all units, level, affiliates and arms of the Party are supposed to be working together to achieve a landslide victory at the forthcoming polls.
The group emphasized its commitment to the ideals of democracy such as fair participation and inclusivity.
“We are not unaware that a meeting to bring all Aspirants for the House of Representative in Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II together was held at the said venue (Delta Continental Hotel) subject to the approval of the Party at the State level.
“This meeting (contrary to Press Conference that was constituted largely by members from Constituency I) was attended by leaders from the Constituency and the mandate group was adequately represented” Oni stated.
Speaking further, Oni said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the five leaders from Isolo had three Justice Forum and two Mandate members while the leaders from Ejigbo had three Mandate and two Justice Forum members in attendance.
“For emphasis sake, aspirants were left at the meeting venue to have a familiarization talks which could lead to Voluntary withdrawal without the intervention of any leader. This is a democratic process to keep the unity, peace and stabilization of our great Party. It is necessary to note that various constituencies across the state are engaging in similar dialogues as advised by the State Chairman.
“The Council Chairmen of both Isolo and Ejigbo who are prominent members of the Mandate group except the mandate group says otherwise championed the peace broking gathering that was conveyed in the interest of the Party so as not to go into the forthcoming elections as a divided Party when we have greater oppositions out there.
“As regards the House of Assembly endorsement for second term, the Council Chairmen from the two LCDA’s, leaders of our party in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2, and party faithfuls observed that the incumbent member deserved a second term in office based on his performance and coupled with the fact that he is the only Aspirant till date who has shown interest to contest for the seat.
“This Constituency meeting was well publicized on all official channels used by constituency 2 and a genuine member of the Party should not wait for a personal invite to such a gathering like a section of the Mandate group is currently claiming now.
“All members of the APC across constituency 2 were invited and present consisting of various groups and caucuses,” Oni stated.
The group went on to call for a harmonious relationship to ensure a good victory come the election in 2027 as a center that is divided cannot hold.
The press conference was attended by other prominent chieftains of the group which includes Pastor Funmi Dawodu, Alhaji Fatai Kasunmu, Major Rafiu Adebeshin rtd as well as some leaders of TMM Alhaja Salawat Olusesi and Hon. Remi Gbadegesin who were in attendance at the initial endorsement meeting.
