Labour Party’s Adeola Adebanjo secures candidacy in hotly contested primary
In a decisive victory, engineer Adeola Adebanjo has emerged as the Labour Party’s candidate for the upcoming bye-election in Surulere Federal Constituency I, Lagos State. Defeating two other aspirants in a keenly contested primary held on Sunday in Surulere, Adebanjo clinched the party’s ticket with a significant majority.
LP electoral committee chairman announces results amidst intense competition
Clement Ojukwu, the Chairman of the LP Electoral Committee for the primary, revealed that 18 delegates, three from each of the six electoral wards in the federal constituency, were accredited for the election. Adebanjo secured victory with 12 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Dr. Folaseye Adebayo, who garnered six votes. The third aspirant, Kenechukwu Osuji, received zero votes. Ojukwu, also the LP National Organising Secretary, declared Adebanjo the winner and called on Surulere residents to rally behind the party’s candidate in the upcoming election, expressing confidence in his ability to serve the constituents effectively.
Adebanjo’s pledge: Qualitative representation, wealth creation, and youth empowerment
In his victory speech, Adebanjo, who previously represented the party in the 2023 general elections, pledged to provide the people of the constituency with qualitative representation. Promising wealth creation and advocating for a brighter future for the youth, Adebanjo outlined his vision for Surulere’s development and prosperity.
MOU and peace deal: Aspirants pave the way for a smooth contest
Prior to the primary election, all three aspirants, including Adebanjo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Peace Deal with the Labour Party. This collaborative effort aimed at fostering unity within the party and ensuring a smooth electoral process. The exercise, conducted under tight security, was observed and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC’s bye-election timetable: Surulere’s February 3 showdown
The bye-election in Surulere Federal Constituency I is scheduled for February 3, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This comes as part of a broader plan involving re-run and bye-elections in nine states. According to the electoral timetable, party primary elections, including the resolution of disputes, are slated to take place between January 5 and January 9. Public campaigns by political parties will kick off on January 18 and conclude on February 1.
Gbajabiamila’s resignation sparks Election: A Vlvoid to be filled in Surulere
The vacancy in Surulere Federal Constituency I arose due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila, after securing victory, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff, leaving behind a significant political void. As Surulere gears up for the bye-election, Adebanjo’s candidacy is poised to shape the political landscape and determine the course of representation in the federal constituency. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is on as the electoral process unfolds in the coming weeks.
