Olarewaju Distances Self from Alleged Consensus, Calls for Transparent Primary Process

An All Progressives Congress Aspirant for the position of Ogun state House of Assembly to represent Ota state constituency 2, otherwise known as Ado/Igbesa state constituency, Hon. Solomon Sunday Olarewaju and members of his support base across Ado-Igbesa State constituency have kicked against what he terms ‘imposition’ in the name of consensus arrangement in the zone.

According to a press statement made by Hon. Solomon and made available to VOA News Correspondent, he said party consensus ought to have been carried out with all fairness, transparency and participation of all Aspirants as against ‘financial inducements’ which he alleged may have played out in the ‘kangaroo consensus’ that some party stakeholders have done.

The statement reads in part, “The attention of Hon. Solomon Sunday Olanrewaju and his support group have been drawn to reports of a purported consensus arrangement allegedly organized by a few individuals within the party structure in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government concerning the forthcoming primaries for the Ogun State House of Assembly seat.

Ordinarily, consensus within a political party is a respected democratic approach when it is conducted with fairness, transparency, and the full participation and consent of all aspirants and critical stakeholders. However, the process recently reported does not reflect the established guidelines and procedures set out by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress.

Available information indicates that the meeting where the said decision was reached took place outside the local government and without the presence, knowledge, or consent of several aspirants who have purchased the nomination form and key party leaders within the constituency. This development contradicts the directive of the National Working Committee which clearly states that a consensus arrangement must involve all aspirants and must be reached through collective agreement.

Furthermore, the reports suggesting inducement and financial influence surrounding the process raise serious concerns about the credibility and legitimacy of the outcome.

In light of these circumstances, Solomon Sunday Olarewaju wishes to respectfully distance himself from the said arrangement. He remains firmly committed to the principles of fairness, internal democracy, and respect for party guidelines”.

Olarewaju therefore appealled to the leadership of the party in Ogun State, under the guidance of His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to disregard the outcome of the purported exercise as it does not reflect the collective will of party members and stakeholders within Ado-Igbesa State Constituency and Ado-Odo Ota Local Government at large.

In the interest of unity, transparency, and democratic credibility, he respectfully calls on the party leadership to allow a direct primary election where all duly recognized aspirants will participate openly and where party members will have the opportunity to make their choice freely in accordance with the guidelines of the National Working Committee.

Solomon Sunday Olarewaju remains loyal to the ideals and leadership of the All Progressives Congress and continues to believe that a fair and transparent process will strengthen the party and position it for victory in the forthcoming elections.

His aspiration remains guided by service, unity within the party, and the collective progress of Ado-Igbesa State Constituency. VOA News gathered.