Kunle Adelabu
The real contest for the forthcoming Local Government elections may have begun as Chairmanship aspirants for the Ikorodu Local Government today, appeared before the screening panel setup by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ikorodu Local Government.
The panel led by Alhaji Gafaar, former Vice Chairman, APC Lagos East Senatorial District and Hon. Olawunmi Abdulrasaq Ajetunmobi, the Divisional APC Secretary as its scribe, met with the aspirants at the divisional secretariat of the apex body at the country home of the former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.
Other members are Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr (Mrs) Lanre Dixon, APC chieftain, Alhaji Animashaun, APC Chairman, Ikorodu LGA, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu LG and Mrs Wonuola Osinowo, Lagos East Woman leader.
THE IMPACT gathered that the party leaders announced that a total of 23 aspirants have signified interests to contest for the chairmanship position in Ikorodu LG.
Our reporter also gathered that the members of the panel were introduced to the aspirants and also, they too were also allowed to introduce themselves one after the other.
While informing the aspirants that the party is waiting for the guidelines from the state, it was also stated that the leadership of the ruling party informed the aspirants that they were expected to present their APC card, voters’ card, NIN, CV and manifestoes among others when called upon to appear before the panel for proper screening.
About 20 of aspirants attended the parley with the party leaders and screening panel. Those that are absent were Mr Ibrahim Alani Onibudo, Canada -based aspirant, Mr Yusuf Atebo Owolewa, who is based in the UK and Mr Azeez Lamina who is currently on Ummrah.
Also not present at the meeting were Mr AbdulKareem Shittu and Mr Idowu Alli.
Some of those that attended the parley were Princess Folashade Olabanji – Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Hon. Adebowale, Council Leader, Ikorodu LG Legislative Arm, Comrade Japheth Odesanya, former Secretary to the Ikorodu LG, Hon. Azeez Jimoh Olosugbo, former Council leader, Ikorodu LG, Mr Yinka Majekodunmi, a senior staff with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Mutiu Animashaun, former Supervisor, Ikorodu LG, Mr Oladele Ogunfodunrin, a grassroots mobiliser and public commentator and Prince AbdulLateef Adedayo Abayomi Ladega, a business man,
Others were Mr Babawale Alogba, a businessman, Mr Adedeji Osho, former Supervisor, Ikorodu LG, Alhaji Kabat Ajalogun, retired Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education and Vice Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Gbadebo Taofeek Oluwafemi, Chairman, Lagos judiciary union and Mr Bisoro Dawodu, a grassroots mobiliser among others.
It was also gathered that Hon. Azeez Jimoh Olosugbo, a former Council leader at the meeting announced his withdrawal from the race.
Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor and the Divisional APC apex leader, who addressed the aspirants said that the screening is to ensure that the party has best and qualified aspirants going into the primary.
It was also gathered that he appealed to them to support the panel.
The panel chairman, Alhaji Gafaar, while speaking informed the aspirants that they would be grouped into batches and notified when they would be appearing before the panel for screening.
