The Ikorodu Youth Forum has endorsed an aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, as its preferred candidate for the forthcoming Lagos East Senatorial by-election.
Mr Segun Ajadi, Coordinator of the forum, comprising youth groups in Ikorodu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
The senatorial seat became vacant following the recent death of Sen. Bayo Osinowo (APC), who represented the district at the Senate.
No fewer than seven PDP aspirants had indicated interest to contest in the by-election, which constitutionally, is to be conducted within 90 days after the seat had become vacant.
Some of the aspirants include: Oyefusi, PDP candidate for Lagos East in 2019 and daughter of the late Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi; Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Lagos ADP governorship candidate in 2019, who recently rejoined the PDP; and Mrs Adedipe Shobajo, a Public Relations expert.
Ajadi said that all groups under the forum had endorsed Oyefusi because of her clout and her acceptability in Ikorodu and all other areas in Lagos East.
“Putting into consideration your performance during the last elections, it simply behoves on us as grassroots men and women to support your candidacy once again.
“You performed creditably well in the last elections. Oyefusi is a woman of great clout that cuts across party lines.
“Having her at the Senate will be to the great advantage of PDP, the people of Lagos East and Nigeria in general,” he said.
Ajadi, also co-ordinator, Palapo Network, one of the groups under the forum, urged PDP members to rally round Oyefusi to clinch the senatorial ticket.
He said the aspirant had done so much for people of Lagos East, even when she was not holding a public office, adding that Oyefusi would deliver the goods if elected senator.
Also, Mr Ayinde Alawaye, Leader, Egbe Ajumose, another group under the forum, described Oyefusi as very passionate about the development of Ikorodu and Lagos East in general.
Alawaye described the aspirant as a woman of strong willed, saying that Lagos East would benefit immensely if she emerged as the senator.
“This lady is very unique and of strong will. She came visiting in the course of the last election and ensured that we were all incorporated into her scheme of work.
“While addressing us, she based her speech on how to change the face of Ikorodu for good.
“Her main objectives have always been about adequate representation across the five local government areas under Lagos East Senatorial district,” he said.
In his comments, Mr Tunde Fasasi, Leader Offin League, another group from Igbogbo Bayeiku LCDA, said that Oyefusi had always been a loyal member and so deserve the party’s ticket.
Fasasi said the aspirant deserved the support of politicians and ordinary residents to go to the Senate and bring development to Lagos East.
Also, Mr Kamilu Owowunmi, Leader, Ijomu Classical Youths from Ikorodu Central, described Oyefusi as a “confirmed indigene” of Ikorodu.
Owowunmi said the aspirant hails from a respected family in the town, calling on residents to support “a capable indigene” to represent the Lagos East.
In his remarks, Mr Kenneth Okosobo, of Ijede Cosmopolitan Group, described Oyefusi as a great philantropist.
Okosobo said the group was joining others under Ikorodu Youth Forum to endorse, out of conviction, that Oyefusi would represent Lagos East well if elected. (NAN)
