Lagos NDC Faces Fresh Crisis As Aspirant Rejects Candidate Imposition

Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. John Ademola Akano, has strongly rejected what he described as an attempt by some party officials to impose a candidate who did not participate in the party’s nomination process for Eti-Osa Constituency I.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lagos, Akano said he lawfully purchased and submitted the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, fulfilled all financial and eligibility requirements, and actively participated in the processes leading to the scheduled primary election.

According to him, he invested significant time and resources in consultations, grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagements, and campaign preparations across Eti-Osa Constituency 1, based on assurances that the party would uphold fairness, internal democracy, and due process.

Akano expressed shock over alleged moves to hand over the party’s ticket to an individual who neither purchased nomination forms nor participated in the screening and nomination exercise for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat.

“It would be unjust, unlawful, and contrary to democratic principles for a House of Representatives aspirant to be substituted as the House of Assembly candidate,” he stated.

The aspirant maintained that he did not cause the cancellation or non-conclusion of the primary election and should not be used as justification to sideline duly qualified aspirants.

He further argued that any alternative arrangement adopted by the party must prioritise aspirants who validly entered the race and complied with all party requirements.

Citing Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022, Akano noted that political parties are prohibited from substituting candidates except in cases of death or voluntary withdrawal.

“It is a matter of public record that Mr Rotimi Obasanjo Egbewunmi contested for the House of Representatives seat, not the House of Assembly seat,” he said.

Akano warned that any attempt to impose a candidate outside the established nomination process could expose the party to legal disputes, internal crises, and reputational damage.

While reaffirming his respect for party supremacy, he stressed that party supremacy must be rooted in justice, fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

He called on the leadership of the party, including National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and South West Vice Chairman Pastor Mrs Adedayo Ekong, to intervene and ensure that due process is followed.

“Justice must prevail, and democracy must be protected,” Akano declared.

The press conference comes amid growing tensions within the party over the emergence of candidates ahead of the Lagos State House of Assembly elections.