The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has disclosed that 12 candidates from various political parties will be vying for the Surulere Federal Constituency I seat in the upcoming bye-election on Feb. 3. The announcement was made by the Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Ayobami Salami during a Stakeholders’ Meeting with political party leaders, religious figures, and security representatives.
Prof. Salami explained the necessity of the bye-election, stating, “The commission is required by law to conduct a bye-election in Surulere federal constituency 1 to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of Gbajabiamila.” The seat became vacant after the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, resigned and was subsequently appointed as Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu.
During the meeting, Salami provided insights into the election process and outlined key milestones, stating, “Notice of election was given on Jan. 4, while party primaries to elect candidates held from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9.” He highlighted that 14 political parties were initially slated to participate, but only 12 eventually submitted candidates for publication.
The listed candidates include Akinyemi Da-Sliva (Accord), Kayode Jelili (Action Alliance), Collins Aigbokhaode (African Democratic Congress), Fuad Laguda (All Progressives Congress), Jonathan Ololade (All Progressives Grand Alliance), Samuel Ekwuruke (Allied People’s Movement), Yinusa Adisa (Action People’s Party), Adeola Adebanjo (Labour Party), Jerry Afemighie (Peoples Democratic Party), Muyiwa Adedeji (Social Democratic Party), Oluwole Austine Brito (Young Progressive Party), and Emereole Anthony (Zenith Labour Party).
Salami assured stakeholders of INEC’s readiness, stating, “Recruitment and training of ad hoc officials to take part in the bye-election are ongoing through root training. Non-sensitive materials meant for the election have been arranged, while we await the delivery of sensitive materials.”
He emphasized the importance of fair play, saying, “Let us strive together to allow our democracy to grow and stand the test of time.” The INEC boss also urged stakeholders to adhere to established rules, discouraging actions such as ballot snatching, vote buying, and thuggery.
INEC Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi, called for cooperation and collaboration, emphasizing that INEC works with rules and regulations. The Head of Department (HOD) Election Party Monitoring, Mr. Gabriel Abidakun, urged political parties to campaign peacefully, while the HOD Electoral Operations, Mrs. Oluyemi Adeyemi-Showunmi, provided details on the constituency and the election’s preparedness.
Mr. Muyiwa Yusuf, the INEC HOD ICT, shared information on the deployment of the Bimodal Accreditation Voter Machine (BVAS) for the election.
