A coalition of youth and progressive leaders in Bariga and Somolu Constituency II has thrown its weight behind Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Morufu Alli-Balogun, condemning what it described as attempts by some party figures to undermine the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election conducted on May 20.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Coalition of Bariga Youth and Progressive Leaders, speaking on behalf of various youth and progressive groups across Somolu and Bariga, alleged that certain stakeholders within the party were sponsoring campaigns aimed at discrediting Alli-Balogun and replacing him with another preferred candidate despite his emergence through the party’s primary process.
The group described such actions as undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of fairness and internal party democracy. It stressed that the APC should respect the decision of party members and constituents who participated in the primary election.
According to the coalition, any effort to challenge Alli-Balogun’s victory could create avoidable divisions within the party at a time when unity and cohesion are essential ahead of future elections.
The youth leaders warned that sustained media attacks, rumours and internal disagreements could weaken the APC’s structure in Somolu Constituency II, demoralise loyal members and create opportunities for opposition parties to gain ground.
They also questioned the motives behind what they called a coordinated campaign against the aspirant, insisting that no individual or group should be allowed to impose a candidate contrary to the wishes of party members.
The coalition appealed to influential APC leaders in the area, including former Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Hon. Kolade Alabi, and Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member, Senator Anthony Adefuye, to step in and help prevent further divisions within the party.
“We call on our respected leaders to safeguard the unity and stability of the APC by addressing these concerns before they escalate and negatively affect the party,” the statement said.
The group commended Alli-Balogun for his contributions at the grassroots level, citing his commitment to community development, empowerment programmes and loyalty to the APC. It maintained that he remains the best candidate to represent Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Reaffirming their support, the youth leaders vowed to oppose any attempt to overturn the outcome of the primary election or impose another candidate on the constituency. They also urged party members and stakeholders to remain united, respect the party’s internal processes and focus on strengthening the APC ahead of future electoral contests.
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