Emmanuel lkpeama
A Coalition of youths, women, elders and progressive stakeholders from the eight wards of Somolu Constituency II on Tuesday staged a strong show of support for Hon. Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun, rejecting what they described as attempts by some party leaders to undermine his candidature for the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The position was made known during a well-attended press conference organised by the Coalition of Bariga APC Youths and Progressive Leaders on June 2, 2026, in Bariga, Lagos.
The event drew participants from across Somolu Constituency II, including youths, women groups, community leaders and party faithful, many of whom carried posters, banners and billboards bearing the image of Hon. Alli-Balogun as they openly expressed their support for his candidacy.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, spokesperson Hon. Adeyombo Adewale condemned what he described as unjust accusations, media attacks and divisive activities allegedly targeted at the lawmaker following the APC primary election held on May 20, 2026.
According to him, Hon. Alli-Balogun emerged through a legitimate democratic process and enjoys overwhelming support among party members and constituents.
“We are here today to send a clear message that the people of Somolu Constituency II stand firmly behind Hon. Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun. Any attempt to undermine the mandate freely given to him by party members is unacceptable and contrary to the democratic principles of our great party,” he said.
Hon.Adewale noted that those allegedly behind the campaign against the lawmaker were working against the unity and progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a critical period when the party should be preparing for electoral victory.
He warned that efforts to create divisions within the party could weaken its structure and alienate loyal members.
Several stakeholders who spoke with journalists at the event also condemned the alleged moves against the candidate.
One of the stakeholders, Hon. Olamilekan Taiwo, expressed surprise over what he described as interference from individuals outside the constituency.
“It came to me as a surprise that some of the people allegedly causing this crisis are not even from Somolu Constituency II.”
“They are from Somolu Constituency I and therefore have no right to attack our symbol and candidate who is to represent us in Constituency II,” he said.
Taiwo further alleged that those behind the agitation were pursuing personal interests rather than the collective interest of party members and residents.
“The so-called leaders are not representing the APC family and the entire populace of Somolu/Bariga. They are representing their pockets and selfish interests. The people have spoken and their mandate should be respected,” he added.
Another stakeholder, Lady Funke Ilesha, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions capable of destabilising the APC in the constituency.
She warned that attempts to replace a candidate who had already secured the support of party members could have serious political consequences.
“The party leaders should be careful not to destabilise the APC by taking away a mandate freely given by the people. If this is not properly handled, the party risks losing the seat to another political party in the general election,” she cautioned.
Also speaking, Hon. Ajao Onaolapo (Proudless)said the massive support received by Hon. Alli-Balogun during the primary election reflected the confidence the people have in his leadership ability.
“The people voted massively for Hon. Alli-Balogun because they believe in his capacity and competence. We are convinced that he has what it takes to emerge victorious in the general election and represent the constituency effectively,” he said.
Throughout the event, participants repeatedly called for unity within the APC and urged party leaders to respect the outcome of the primary election.
The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as the silence of some respected party elders, including Hon. Kolade Alabi and Senator Anthony Adefuye, urging them to intervene and prevent further division within the party.
The group maintained that Hon. Alli-Balogun’s track record in empowerment programmes, constituency engagement, legislative performance and party loyalty has earned him the trust of the people.
The coalition therefore reaffirmed its total support for his candidature and vowed to resist any attempt to impose another candidate on Somolu Constituency II.
The group also used the occasion to reaffirm its loyalty to the APC leadership at both the state and national levels, pledging to mobilise support for all candidates of the party in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking further, Hon.Ajao Onaolapo(Proudless)said the youths and progressive forces in Somolu Constituency II remain committed to the success of the APC and would work tirelessly to ensure victory for the party at all levels.
The coalition specifically endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and pledged support for Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State.
The group described Hamzat as a loyal party stalwart with the experience, competence and vision required to sustain the developmental strides of the APC in the state.
The stakeholders also pledged their unwavering support for Hon. Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun and all other APC candidates expected to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections.
“We are fully committed to the success of our great party. We shall mobilise massively across all eight wards of Somolu Constituency II to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the emergence of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as Governor of Lagos State, and the victory of Hon. Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections,” the coalition stated.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that a united APC would remain the dominant political force in Lagos State and across Nigeria, urging party members to put aside personal interests and work collectively towards achieving electoral success in 2027.
The press conference ended with participants chanting support slogans for President Tinubu, Dr. Hamzat, Hon. Alli-Balogun and the APC, while waving banners, posters and placards calling for party unity, respect for democratic processes and victory at the polls.
The coalition insisted that preserving unity and respecting the outcome of the primary election remain critical to the APC’s chances of retaining Somolu Constituency II and recording victories across all levels in the forthcoming general elections.
Those in attendance include Engr Adewale Adeyombo,Engr Ajiboye Johnson,Engr Adeniyi,Hon Michael Obadina,Hon Ajao Onaolapo,Adewumi Bolaji,Alh Onileyan Oloruntoyin, Olamilekan Taiwo,Ogunyinka Olakunle,Folake Juliet Omoregha,Bose Elesha.
Others are Adenike Kelani,Hon Taiwo lawal,Bunmi Adetola,Sulaiman Ayobami and Alhaji Shared Keshinro.