Kunle ADELABU
While the dust of the political battle that engulfed the All Progressives Congress (APC) in selecting its gubernatorial candidate is yet to settle, another stage is set for another battle between two formidable figures in the party, this time around, in Lagos East Senatorial District Senatorial primary election.
The district’s political atmosphere became charged about a month ago when Hon. Bayo Osinowo, a four term state lawmaker and a power-broker in the State, formally declared his intention to wrestle the senatorial seat from the incumbent, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, who has been representing Lagos East Senatorial District since 2011 at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.
In announcing his intention, Hon. Osinowo made big statement with the caliber of political gladiators that attended his formal declaration and the array of endorsements and adoption that trailed his ambition.All these gave a clear signal that power could change hand regarding the position.
The candidacy of Hon. Osinowo, popularly called, ‘Pepper’ by his teeming supporters and admirers, received endorsements from the House of Representatives members in the district and also from the local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and party chairmen across the district..
As expected, he also received the backing of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other members of the Assembly who revered Hon. Osinowo as their leader.
Osinowo is also riding on the support of the. functional and effective political machinery of The Mandate Group (TMG)
This trend which jolted Sen. Ashafa’s camp also is also serving as great impetus to roar his political machinery which has been in lull since the rumour of Hon. Osinowo’s aspiration filtered into the public.
Ashafa, who had declared his intention some months, has been endorsed for another term by the leadership of the party at the senatorial level but was forced to called a press conference to reiterate his senatorial ambition and assured his teeming followers that he is still very much in the race.
He also used the occasion to state the achievements of his representation in the last seven years and enjoined party people to vote for him based on competence and character.
Also behind the aspiration of Sen. Ashafa are the chieftains of the Justice Forum.
Campaign Directions
While declaring his intention, Hon Osinowo based is campaign trust on his 13 years experience at the Lagos State House of Assembly; his role as a stabilizer, contributions to the party and his community engagements among others.
“Luckily, my aspiration has the blessings of leaders of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this senatorial district.
“The assignment to represent this senatorial district is a challenge and onerous task. Notwithstanding, it is a call for higher service. No doubt, with the support of Almighty Allah and you all here, we shall excel.”
He described himself as a stabilizing factor in the State Assembly and pledged to take legislative excellence and the principles of stability enjoyed in the Lagos Assembly to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Based on what the people are saying in the State House of Assembly, I have been known to be a peacemaker and with the support of my colleagues in the House, we have made the Lagos State House of Assembly the most peaceful in the country.
“Permit me to say, with all humility, that with my sixteen years of experience in the State Assembly, I have acquired enough legislative experience to propel me for greater achievement in the Red Chamber.”
Hon. Osinowo also stated that his active involvement in the senatorial politics has also made him to know the needs of his people which he promised to make a priority as their senator.
“I have also been actively involved in the political activities of the East Senatorial District for over two decades. I know where the shoe pinches. Your welfare and improved standard of living remain my priority and I’m assuring you that I shall remain totally committed to all my promises”, he pledged.
“My human and community development programmes did not start today and Insha Allah, it will continue to grow. My legislative commitments in the Red Chamber will not put a stop to the existing programmes in the district, rather, it will continue to expand.”
He added that his aspiration to go to the Senate has the blessings of the party leadership.
On the other hand, Sen. Ashafa is calling on the party members to support him based on what he termed ‘legacy of qualitative and excellent representation’.
He also enjoined them to also look at his track records.
“I say to you today that the choice before us in 2019 is a choice between consolidating on the legacy of qualitative and excellent representation with proof or taking a blind gamble on a path with no proven reward.
“The track record of each and every one in the race for the Lagos East Senatorial District Senatorial Ticket is right before you. It is, therefore, only wise that our choice is made based on the strength of character, track record of service, competence and trust.
“I made a commitment to you then and indeed in 2015 when on the strength of your votes, I returned to the National Assembly to continue the assignment. My commitment to you has remained that I would continue to provide qualitative representation to every single constituent of our district”, he assured.
Last Minutes Maneuvering
Trust politicians to use whatever at their disposal against real or imaginary political enemies.
Few days back, the social media was awashed with news of Hon. Osinowo’s disqualification by the screening committee of the APC.
Reacting, the Sen. Ashafa camp had in a statement signed by Ayodele Adio, Director of Communications, Senator Gbenga Ashafa campaign organization, on Tuesday, welcomed the disqualification and declared his principal unopposed.
The statement state thus:
“We received with great delight, the news of the screened senatorial candidates in Lagos State, as approved by the national working committee of the APC, which saw the very distinguished Senator Gbenga Ashafa emerged unopposed in the Lagos East senatorial constituency.
“The APC has demonstrated it readiness to uphold its values and core principles that endeared it to a majority of Nigerians by carefully screening the candidates that would be bearing their flags in the forthcoming general elections. The process was rigorous, thorough and professional, ensuring that only credible and capable candidates emerge.
“We are, therefore, excited that we have emerged from the process with ‘a clean bill of health ‘ in readiness for the upcoming senatorial election in Lagos East. Senator Ashafa’s commitment and loyal to the party and moreso, his constituents, has never been in doubt, as evidenced by his stellar performance so far.
Reacting, Hon. Osinowo’s camp stated that he was screened, approved and would participate in the primary elections and enjoined his supporters to disregard the information alleging that he has been disqualified
“Hon. Bayo Osinowo was screened, approved and would be participating in the All Progressives Congress primary of tomorrow(today) with other aspirants of the party in the primary election to determine the party’s candidate for the Lagos East senatorial seat in the Senate.
“He, therefore, urged members of the party in the Lagos East Senatorial District and Lagos in general to disregard all forms of intimidation and fake stories being peddled around by the enemies of due process in the party and go out tomorrow to decide in whose hands their future will be in the next 4 years.”
