While sceptical young Nigerians still see President Bola Tinubu’s “let the youth breathe” call as nothing but a slogan from a leader who wants to seem compassionate, the forward-thinking youths in Somolu, Lagos, are already channelling those words through their actions.
The recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries showed an increasing demand for grassroots change, complete transparency, and inclusive governance.
For almost a decade, Somolu has enjoyed commendable modernisation and people-centred governance with Executive Chairman Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu (Dullar) as leader. Notably, his government created opportunities for young, efficient leaders with impeccable grassroots credibility. This served as the foundation that birthed Hon. Lateef Ashimi, 46, and Hon. Taiwo Ojomu, 40, as APC candidates for Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively. Both politicians are heavily involved when it comes to community service and political development, with Hon. Lateef an alumnus of Yaba College of Technology and Hon. Ojomu a UNILAG graduate.
The APC primary election was conducted via indirect voting, with 27 constitutionally recognised party delegates partaking. Hon. Lateef earned 23 votes to secure an overwhelming victory, while Hon. Bowale Sosimi, despite occupying a key state position, got just 4 votes, a margin that proved the latter’s disconnect from local party structures.
Accusations of electoral malpractice began flying left, right and centre, but they have mostly been described as a sore loser’s rant that lacks any form of credibility. The indirect election was free, fair, and transparent, and it was thoroughly supervised by a reputable panel chaired by Barr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN). Election observers even came out to hail the organised conduct, praising the complete adherence to party regulations.
Still, some persons who have decided to resist democracy no matter what have continued plotting. One of them is Hon. Ademorin Kuye, a present member of the House of Representatives for Somolu Federal Constituency.
Hon. Kuye has always been notorious for dominating local politics, imposing those loyal to him as candidates, and manipulating internal party decisions. 9 years ago, despite Hon. Lateef Ashimi emerging victorious after the APC councillorship primary, reports have it that Hon. Kuye played a pivotal role in his failing to get the ticket, a reality many still describe as the height of systemic injustice.
Hon. Kuye’s latest political moves are geared towards sustaining his own influence, rather than aiding collective growth. Many have accused him of working tirelessly to divide the Muslim Community in Somolu by leveraging his personal connections with the Oba of Somolu, as his son-in-law, to manoeuvre his way into the religious group and sow his seeds of division.
Muscles were flexed when Grand Chief Imam of Somolu, Sheikh Boonyamin Dabiri, spoke in favour of religious fairness in political appointments. His stance was met with angry reactions, including an alleged physical assault by those loyal to Hon. Kuye. The disagreement resulted in a scarcely attended Jum’ah service at the Somolu Central Mosque last Friday, an occurrence that sparked concern among members of the community.
Amid the tension, the backing for the Ashimi-Ojomu ticket only grew stronger. From Okesuna to Onipanu, Akoka to Bajulaiye, it was celebration galore among the youths of the region and major stakeholders.
NURTW reps, market unions, religious groups, community leaders, and youth organisations have since gone to the APC Secretariat to congratulate the candidates and pledge their support.
A recent plan to destabilise an alleged protest organised by angry politicians was quickly ruined by vigilant security agencies.
Paid agberos from nearby areas, including Mushin, Bariga, Yaba, and Abule Ijesha, were swiftly dispersed before they could wreak havoc at the newly completed Somolu LG Secretariat. Reports have said that internal disagreement among the sponsors of the thwarted violent acts, Hon. Bowale Sosimi and Hon. Rotimi Olowo, resulted in the confusion and the eventual forfeiture of their disruptive plan.
The will of the people of Somolu prevailed. The Ashimi-Ojomu ticket not only reflects youth inclusion beyond every reasonable doubt, it also advocates for religious unity as Hon. Ashimi is Muslim and Hon. Ojomu is Christian. To further emphasise the religious harmony, the councillorship positions are also equitably distributed between the two faiths.
What is transpiring in Somolu is far from a political exclusion; it is a grassroots-driven democratic revival. It fully aligns with President Tinubu’s forward-thinking vision to empower capable youthful leaders to not only breathe, but lead with passion, integrity, and a never-ending commitment to serve selflessly.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
