By DAVE Agboola
A coalition of party leaders, stakeholders, traditional institutions, youth and women groups, and residents of Eti-Osa Constituency I has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene over what they described as an alleged threat to the primary election mandate of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams.
The appeal was made during a press briefing held on Thursday, where the group called on President Tinubu, the APC national leadership, and the Lagos State Chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to ensure that the outcome of the party’s primary election is respected and upheld.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Alhaji Owolabi Yisa said Adams emerged as the overwhelming choice of APC members during the primary election and should be allowed to retain the mandate freely given to him by party faithful across the constituency.
According to figures presented by the stakeholders, Adams secured 7,638 votes in the primary election, while his closest challenger, Saheed Bankole, polled 1,225 votes, giving the incumbent lawmaker a victory margin of 6,413 votes.
Describing the outcome as a clear reflection of the wishes of party members, the stakeholders maintained that the result was neither close nor disputed.
“The will of the people was clearly expressed. This was not a narrow victory, and it was not a disputed mandate. It was an overwhelming endorsement by party members across Eti-Osa Constituency I,” the group stated.
The stakeholders further noted that Adams enjoys broad support from traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth groups, community development associations, professional bodies, and residents throughout the constituency.
They attributed his popularity to what they described as years of dedicated service, community engagement, youth empowerment initiatives, educational support programmes, infrastructure advocacy, and effective legislative representation.
According to the group, Adams has built a reputation for accessibility and responsiveness, qualities they said have strengthened his connection with the grassroots.
“The people know him, trust him, and have repeatedly demonstrated confidence in his leadership and commitment to community development,” they said.
While expressing confidence in the leadership of the APC, the stakeholders warned that any attempt to overturn the outcome of the primary election could create divisions within the party and undermine its electoral strength in the constituency.
They also recalled experiences from previous election cycles, arguing that decisions perceived as contrary to the wishes of party members often result in internal discontent, weakened grassroots mobilisation, and electoral setbacks.
Earlier before the press briefing, members of the coalition staged a peaceful protest at the Eleganza Toll Gate, calling on the Presidency and APC stakeholders to urgently intervene and ensure that Adams’ mandate is preserved.
Speaking during the protest, Alhaji Surajudeen Abejamu said the gathering was aimed at defending the votes cast by party members during the primary election.
“We are here on behalf of the votes we cast for Honourable Noheem Babatunde Adams. He has represented us since 2017 and has continued to work tirelessly for the people, particularly in this current dispensation,” he said.
Abejamu praised Adams for his accessibility and commitment to addressing community challenges, describing him as a dependable representative who has consistently responded to the needs of constituents.
Also speaking, community leader Lukman Abiodun insisted that Adams remains the preferred choice of APC members in Eti-Osa Constituency I.
“We are calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu, the national chairman of our great party, APC, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the state chairman of the party, Pastor Ojelabi, to our appeal.
Honourable Noheem Adams won the primary election and remains the people’s choice. We are simply asking that the mandate freely given to him by party members be respected,” he said.
The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to the unity and progress of the APC, urging the party leadership to protect the integrity of its internal democratic processes by respecting the outcome of the primary election in Eti-Osa Constituency I.