Kunle Adelabu
Former Lagos East Senatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 General Elections, Comrade Francis Mani Shonubi, popularly called ‘Senator’ and ‘Mani Kongo’, has said that he jettisoned his political aspiration in the forthcoming 2023 elections in the interest of development.
Shonubi, who spoke with THE IMPACT during a chat, also said that there are many ways to serve and not necessarily through elective positions, while adding that he is fully back in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and working for the success of the party.
“I indeed wanted to aspire for elective position in the next general elections, but during my wide consultations, I discovered the need to shelve my aspiration and support grassroots based development. The purpose of one’s intention to serve is to give better representation to your constituents”, he said.
“There are better ways to represent, not necessarily via ballot. I am available and will continue to give support to my constituency as the need arises.
“I wish all candidates of the party all the best as they plan to represent us at various levels”.
The grassroots politician and former Secretary, Igbogbo Day Planning Committee, also said that he has returned to the APC and ready to work with the party’s candidates in achieving success.
“Before l joined African Action Congress (AAC) for my senatorial ambition, l was a card carrying member of the All Progressive Congress (APC). I joined AAC and was elected at the congress to flag the party ticket at the general elections and the rest, they say, is history.
“After that, I consulted with my constituency leaders and I was made to understand that politics is local and territorial and since I am to serve my people, I need to listen to their yearnings.
“I am back (in APC) and ready to support, and also give advice to the candidates of the party when the need arises”, he declared.
On his view about the controversial primary elections across political parties, Mr Shonunbi said that there is need for parties to develop internal democracy and allow candidates emerge through a process that is open and fair.
“My personal view about the last parties’ primary elections varies. Politics of selections should be dealt with and the moment we allow the wishes of party faithful through their delegates to prevail, the moment we enjoy true democracy”, he said.
“We can’t continue to go in circle using same template to dictate the minds of the populace.
“Yes, candidates have emerged, parties need to set up strong reconciliation team to resolve lots of grievances that emanated from the last primary of selections. We should drop our greed and face true democracy”, he said.
