Mandate Movement Demands Justice, Seeks Restoration of Ogundipe’s APC Assembly Mandate in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency1

 Mandate Movement Demands Justice, Seeks Restoration of Ogundipe’s APC Assembly Mandate in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency1

By DD Media Insight

OSHODI-ISOLO, LAGOS — The Mandate Movement (TMM), Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently intervene in the lingering dispute surrounding the party’s Lagos State House of Assembly primary election for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I.

The group made the demand during a press conference held at Ewe Nla Nursery and Primary School, Oshodi, which was attended by supporters and stakeholders drawn from the seven wards of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government.

Addressing journalists, the spokes man of the group Hon.Saka Tomori flanked by cordinators of the group across the seven ward and the LG leader of the group Alhaji Kehinde Olorun Oje , said the gathering was convened to formally express the concerns of party members over what the group described as an unresolved crisis arising from the outcome and subsequent handling of the APC primary election.

At the centre of the group’s demand is the call for the recognition and restoration of the mandate of Hon. Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe, popularly known as OMOJ’OMOLO, whom the group maintains emerged as the preferred candidate of APC members during the disputed primary process.

Hon Saka who spoke on behalf of the LG Cordinator and leader of the group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC leaders at the national and Lagos State levels to intervene and ensure that the grievances of affected party members are thoroughly examined.

According to the group, the issue goes beyond the political interest of an individual and concerns the credibility of internal democracy, respect for party members and the preservation of unity within the APC in Oshodi-Isolo.

Group Cites Ogundipe’s Experience and Party Loyalty

The Mandate Movement argued that Ogundipe’s record of legislative experience, grassroots engagement and previous service to the party should be taken into consideration in resolving the dispute.

The group described him as an experienced parliamentarian and noted his role as Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information Strategy and Security.

It further maintained that Ogundipe had previously demonstrated commitment to party unity by stepping aside in the interest of the APC despite having emerged victorious on an earlier occasion.

The group therefore questioned what it described as the failure to adequately recognise loyalty, sacrifice and performance in the current dispute.

 *Allegations of Party Structure Manipulation* 

The Mandate Movement also raised a number of allegations concerning the management of the APC structure in Oshodi-Isolo.

Among the issues cited were the alleged substitution of the name of Hon. Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe following the disputed primary, alleged alterations to the lists of the Secretary to the Local Government and Supervisory Councillors, and alleged removal or replacement of some party officials.

The group specifically mentioned Hon. Smart Olayinka, Hon. Saka Tomori and Hon. Idowu Ishola in connection with its complaints over alleged substitutions and changes to previously nominated positions.

The allegations were presented by the group as matters requiring investigation and resolution by the appropriate APC authorities.

The Mandate Movement also expressed concern over what it described as the alleged suspension or removal of some party elders and leaders, arguing that such developments had contributed to tension within the local party structure.

 *Concerns Over Local Government Leadership* 

The group further raised allegations against the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chairman, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof, accusing the council leadership of actions which it claimed had contributed to division and intimidation within the party.

The Mandate Movement alleged that some party members had faced pressure and intimidation following the disputed primary.

However, these remain allegations made by the group and were not independently established in the statement presented to journalists.

The group called for an impartial examination of all such complaints rather than allowing the allegations to deepen existing political tensions.

 *Call for Neutral Reconciliation*

A major component of the group's demands was the establishment of a credible and neutral reconciliation process.

Hon.Tomori said individuals who were directly involved in the political contest should not simultaneously determine the outcome of the reconciliation process.

The group therefore urged the APC leadership to constitute a reconciliation committee made up of respected stakeholders who are sufficiently independent of the competing interests.

According to the Mandate Movement, only a transparent and impartial process can rebuild confidence among party members and prevent further division.

 *Seven-Point Demand* 

The group presented seven principal demands to the APC leadership:

1. Immediate recognition and restoration of Hon. Stephen Olukayode Ogundipe (OMOJ’OMOLO) as the APC candidate for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, subject to the appropriate party and legal processes.

2. An independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disputed primary election.

3. The establishment of a neutral reconciliation committee free from direct involvement in the dispute.

4. Investigation of allegations concerning candidate substitution, manipulation of party structures and imposition of party officials.

5. Reversal of any action found to be inconsistent with the APC Constitution and established democratic procedures.

6. Review and possible restoration of party officials and elders who may have been improperly removed, following due process.

7. Urgent intervention by the APC national and Lagos State leadership to prevent further deterioration of party unity in Oshodi-Isolo.

 *Appeal to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and APC Leaders* 

The Mandate Movement specifically appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, APC Lagos State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and other party leaders to intervene in the matter.

The group argued that a timely intervention would help protect party unity and prevent the dispute from affecting the APC’s grassroots strength in Oshodi-Isolo.

Hon.Saka stressed that the movement's position should not be interpreted as a campaign against any individual, but as a demand for justice and a transparent resolution of the issues raised.

He said the members of the group remained committed to the APC but insisted that lasting peace could only be achieved when their grievances were properly addressed.

‘ *Justice Must Prevail’* 

The Mandate Movement concluded its statement with a call for fairness, internal democracy and respect for the wishes of party members.

The group maintained that the controversy surrounding the Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I primary should be resolved through dialogue, investigation and due process rather than prolonged confrontation.

For the Mandate Movement, the central issue is the credibility of the APC's internal democratic process and the need to restore confidence among its members.

The group therefore urged the party leadership to act swiftly, investigate the competing claims and take a decision that will strengthen unity within the APC in Oshodi-Isolo.

Copy of the press briefing was later distributed to press men 

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