APC faces backlash in Alimosho over alleged plan to replace Ayuba with Abisco

Fresh controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency following allegations that the party may substitute the name of the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon. Ayuba Ganiyu Adele, with that of former Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area chairman, Hon. Princess Olabisi Adebajo, popularly known as ABISCO.

The development has sparked tension among residents of Abesan Estate, who openly condemned the alleged move during a meeting held on Saturday, May 23.

Several residents at the gathering described the alleged substitution as an attempt to impose a candidate on party members and voters despite what they claimed was Adele’s clear victory at the APC primary election conducted last week.

Speaking during the meeting, President of the Abesan Estate Residents Association (AERA), Mr. Shina Dare, said although the association remained apolitical, residents could not remain silent over what they described as efforts to undermine the will of the people.

According to him, AERA is deeply interested in the quality of representation across political parties in Alimosho and would continue to speak against any action capable of threatening democratic principles.

“AERA, though a residents’ association, is also a pressure group and very much interested in those that would represent the people. We are interested in all political parties and their candidates in Alimosho,” Dare stated.

READ ALSO: APC appoints Fubara, other governors as coordinators for presidential primary

He also accused some influential figures within the ruling party of allegedly disregarding the wishes of grassroots supporters in favour of political arrangements reportedly being coordinated from Abuja.

“We are hearing disturbing reports that the name of Hon. Ayuba Ganiyu Adele, who clearly won the primary election with the highest votes, may be replaced with that of Princess Olabisi Adebajo. This is unacceptable to the people of Abesan Estate,” he declared.

Dare further criticised Adebajo’s tenure as chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, alleging that Abesan Estate benefited little from her administration despite the political support she enjoyed from residents during her election.

“ABISCO did nothing for the estate while in office for eight years as the executive chairman of Mosan-Okunla LCDS, so we don’t want at all,” he declared.

“Abesan residents stood solidly behind her when she contested for chairman, but many people here believe she did not reciprocate that support with meaningful development projects in the estate,” he added.

The meeting reportedly witnessed emotional reactions from residents, many of whom warned that any attempt to impose candidates could deepen divisions within the APC ahead of future elections.

One of the residents, Mrs. Bose Adeyemi, lamented what she described as growing frustration among loyal party members over alleged manipulation of the democratic process.

“When people participate in primaries and their votes do not count, it discourages political participation. Many loyal party members are already angry over this development,” she said.

Another stakeholder, Mr. Kunle Akinola, cautioned the party leadership against ignoring the sentiments of grassroots supporters, insisting that democracy must be anchored on transparency and fairness.

“The party leadership must understand that democracy is about fairness and transparency. If the people’s choice is ignored, there will be consequences politically,” he warned.

A youth leader in the estate, Ibrahim Yusuf, also expressed concern that the crisis could weaken the APC’s support base within the constituency.

“People are already losing confidence in internal party democracy. If candidates are selected through arrangements instead of actual voting, many supporters may withdraw their loyalty,” he stated.

Similarly, Mrs. Funmilayo Adebisi argued that such controversies could discourage young Nigerians from participating in politics.

“You cannot ask youths to believe in democracy when they see leaders allegedly changing results after people have voted. It sends the wrong message,” she lamented.

Residents maintained that candidates who emerge through political manipulation rather than popular support often become liabilities during general elections because they lack genuine acceptance among voters.

They warned that such actions could weaken party unity, trigger defections, and further deepen public distrust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Some residents also lamented declining voter confidence across the country, arguing that many Nigerians have become politically apathetic because they increasingly believe electoral outcomes are predetermined regardless of votes cast during primaries or general elections.