The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Mr. Fuad Laguda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the victor of the Surulere Federal Constituency I by-election in Lagos State.
Laguda, who confidently asserted his aspirations to succeed Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed determination throughout the campaign, stating, “I am committed to serving the people of Surulere.”
Prof. Adebayo Oladipo, the returning officer from the University of Lagos, disclosed, “Laguda secured 11,203 votes, surpassing other contenders.” Laguda’s victory left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Jerry Afemighie, in a distant second with 278 votes, followed by Mr. Adeola Adebanjo of the Labour Party (LP) with 240 votes.
Oladipo further elaborated on the voting breakdown, revealing that various parties garnered votes as follows: African Democratic Congress (ADC) 40, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 6, Allied People’s Movement (APM) 7, and Action People’s Party (APP) 4. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) received 2 votes, Young Progressives Party (YPP) 9, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) 4, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) obtained 8 votes.
In total, there were 140,377 registered voters with 11,943 accredited for the election. The valid votes cast amounted to 11,801, with 138 votes rejected, tallying the total votes to 11,939.
Oladipo declared, “I, Prof. Simeon Adebayo Oladipo, hereby certify that I am the returning officer for the 2024 Surulere I Federal Constituency by-election… Laguda Kayode Fuad of APC…is hereby declared the winner and he is returned elected.”
Agents from various political factions endorsed the election results, culminating in Laguda’s official declaration amid heightened security.
Twelve candidates vied for the attention of 121,111 registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the election, filling the void left by the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, appointed Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu following his victory.
