Four All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants for Ikorodu Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Nurudeen Agbaje, Mr Adeleke Akadri, Mrs Jumoke Jumbo and Dr Aruna Balogun, have withdrew from the race on Saturday in favour of Mr Gbolahan Ogunleye.
Ogunleye will consequently slug it out with the incumbent, Mr Sanai Agunbiade, at the APC primary election for the seat.
Agunbiade is the sitting Majority Leader of the Lagos Assembly, seeking re-election into the seat for a fifth term.
While speaking on behalf of the former aspirants, Agbaje, said it was a hard decision to take, but that they stepped down for the good of the constituency.
He said he had personally contested three times for the same post and seemed to have a brighter chance this time.
He said the former aspirants resolved to support the aspiration of Ogunleye with their resources and would canvass their followers to work for the emergence of Ogunleye as the APC candidate.
“The idea today is very painful. I accepted after series of consultations and appeals by party leaders, especially by our apex leader, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
“Initially, I believed this is my time to showcase myself. I believe my chances are very bright.
“Our candidate, Ogunleye is a man with reputable character like his father who is the apex leader of the party in the constituency.
“Baba is a highly respectable man in Lagos and in Ikorodu politics so I can’t turn down his request,’’ he said.
Responding, Gbolahan Ogunleye, commended the aspirants for their sacrifices and promised to facilitate projects that would be of benefit to the people of Ikorodu Constituency if elected.
He pledged to run an all-inclusive representation.
APC’s primary election for the House of Assembly holds on May 22.
NAN
