…Thanks Speaker Obasa, Well-Wishers, Others for Support
One of the chairmanship aspirants in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Primaries, Mobolaji Sanusi, who did not make it through, has accepted the party’s decision, stating that the party’s decision is final and its supremacy must be respected above personal interests.
The primary exercise, held at the Lagos APC Secretariat, ACME, Ikeja, on Saturday, was conducted in accordance with the stipulated regulations of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), serving as a prerequisite for all political parties ahead of the July 12 council polls across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Sanusi, a leading contender for the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area chairmanship, contested the released result of 21 to 2 against him, describing it as “outrageously concocted.”
In a statement, Sanusi expressed his thoughts: “Hours ago, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, through my respected learned silk, Mr. Babatunde Ogala, SAN, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, announced the winners of the Local Government chairmanship primaries held at its ACME, Ikeja secretariat.
“I participated in the primaries as an aspirant seeking the party’s mandate to vie for the position of Ojokoro LCDA chairmanship. The outcome of the Electoral College primaries is out, and the names of winners have been made public.
“Yours sincerely was not considered good enough by the party to represent the good people of Ojokoro. The decision couldn’t have been for lack of requisite qualifications and experience.”
Sanusi recounted his experiences, highlighting his credentials: “From being an editor of a prominent national newspaper, managing staff and resources across the 36 states and Abuja, to serving as the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), a regulatory and revenue-generating agency in Lagos State, I have managed men and material resources across the 57 local council branches of the agency with commendable savvy.
“My antecedent at LASAA remains a worthy model of steadfast leadership that is still being talked about today. Handling a single local government would have been a selfless public service aimed at bettering the people, the community, and the glory of Lagos State.”
Sanusi further stated that 12 out of 18 LCDA leaders, including a notable politician and a woman leader, voluntarily endorsed him as the consensus candidate for Ojokoro LCDA, but “our party, under Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, knows best.”
Despite contesting the announced 21–2 score, which he described as “outrageously concocted,” Sanusi maintained his loyalty to the party:
“For the records, I didn’t lose the Saturday primary election at the APC ACME Secretariat, and those behind the laughable score line would have their conscience to contend with forever. However, I stand with this decision as a loyal party man. The party has spoken, and it is final.”
Sanusi also expressed his appreciation: “We have moved past the stage of complaint to the period of reality. The decision of the party is final, and once again, I reiterate that I abide by it with my readiness to contribute to its success going forward.
“I thank my well-wishers, especially Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who motivated and stood by me throughout my attempts to get the party ticket.”
Reflecting on the outcome, he remarked: “To him and thousands of my other well-wishers: We have not lost. Just that my Ojokoro LCDA community has been denied the opportunity of having a competent, credible, reliable, and tested hand to run its affairs for the next four years.
“Leaving this contest with my integrity intact is my greatest joy. After all, I am a professional in politics, not a professional politician. Life continues. God bless Lagos State. God bless Nigeria.” (Vanguard)
