I Was Cheated Despite Winning the Most Votes, Lagos Assembly Aspirant

An aspirant and former Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has rejected the results of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Agege Constituency I. He claims that party leaders in Lagos State overturned his victory, even though he believes he had a clear mandate from party members.

Speaking to journalists about the primary election controversy, Egunjobi accused the state party leaders of denying him his win and naming another aspirant, Gbenga Michael Abiola, as the party's candidate.

At the press conference, Egunjobi had support from the APC Chairman in Agege, Fatai Bisiriyu, and all the ward chairmen in the constituency. He also showed clips of the collation process and his declaration as the winner.

According to him, results from voting centers and records available to security agencies and electoral authorities showed that he won the election convincingly. He said he was declared the winner by electoral officials in front of the public.

"Based on the results obtained from the various voting centers and the records available to INEC and the DSS, I won the election and was officially declared winner by the electoral officials in full view of the public," he stated.

Egunjobi claimed he received 9,132 votes, while Segun Olawoye got 560 votes and Gbenga Michael Abiola had 434 votes.

"It is on record that I scored 9,132 votes, while Segun Olawoye and Gbenga Michael Abiola had 560 and 434 votes respectively," he said.

The APC chieftain expressed disappointment that Abiola, who he said came third in the election, was announced as the party's candidate.

"For some reason beyond fairness, justice, and the principles of democracy, the party hierarchy in the state, in the comfort of their office, coronated Abiola, who came a distant third," Egunjobi alleged.

He described this situation as a threat to democratic principles and insisted that the issue goes beyond his personal ambitions.

"This is not merely about my personal political aspiration. It is about protecting the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring that every vote counts," he said.

"Democracy thrives when the will of the people is respected. When that will is distorted, confidence in the system is weakened."

Despite his complaints, Egunjobi said he remains loyal to the APC and does not want to cause unrest within the party.

"I want to state clearly that my intention is not to cause division, unrest, or disaffection within our party. I remain a committed member of this party and a firm believer in democratic principles," he said.

"My appeal is for fairness, transparency, and justice."

He mentioned that he has already activated the party's internal dispute-resolution mechanisms by filing a formal petition against the primary election outcome.

"I have therefore resolved to pursue all legitimate and constitutional avenues available to seek redress," he said.

"I have submitted a formal petition to the appropriate party organs and electoral appeal bodies, presenting all relevant evidence in support of my claim."

Egunjobi called on the party leadership to review the matter fairly and ensure that justice is served.

"I call on the party leadership to carefully examine the facts, review the results objectively, and ensure that justice is done," he said.

"The credibility of our internal democratic process depends on the ability of our institutions to act fairly and courageously."

He also asked his supporters to remain peaceful while the issue is being sorted out through proper channels.

"To my supporters and well-wishers, I urge you to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. Do not allow frustration to lead to actions that may undermine our cause," he said.

"Let us demonstrate faith in the rule of law and in the democratic process while we seek a fair resolution."

Egunjobi expressed confidence that his petition would be considered fairly, insisting that the voters' decision should be respected.

"In conclusion, I remain confident that the truth will prevail," he said.

"The voice of the people is sacred. The majority should always have their way in a democracy, and every effort must be made to ensure that their choice is respected. I will continue to stand for justice, fairness, and the principles of democracy."