Laguda Emerges Gbajabiamila Successor in Surulere APC Bye-election
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Fuad Laguda has been elected as candidate for the House of Representatives by-election in Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos state.
The election, billed for February 3, will be conducted to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the former speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Laguda scored 30 votes to beat other three contestants – Raheed Owokoniran, Lawal Kabir and Manzu Jemila-who scored nil.
The total number of votes cast corresponded with the total number of delegates, five each from six wards, accredited delegates, and valid votes cast.
Before the primary, the candidate, who enjoys the support of Gbajabiamila, has been endorsed by party leaders in the constituency.
Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi had also hinted that the former speaker would not be indifferent to the nature and tendency of his successor as legislator.
At a party event in Surulere, Ojelabi also said APC will have the last say on the primary, stressing that the party is supreme.
The shadow poll, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, was conducted by a primary panel, led by Bukar Yusuf, a chieftain of the party.
Other members of the committee are Dapo Lam-Adesina, Ismait Alagbada, Sulaiman Gazali and Niyi Akinsiji.
After counting the votes, Yusuf said: “Fuad Laguda, having scored the highest number of votes cast, is hereby declared winner.”
The exercise was witnessed by a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Gabriel Abidakun Akanbi.
Only two contenders-Laguda and Owokoniran-were present at the venue. Laguda hugged the aspirant after both of them signed the primary result sheet before the panel.
Southwest and Lagos APC stalwarts who witnessed the primary include Lateef Ibirogba, former Information and Strategy Commissioner, Ayodele Adewale, state organising secretary, Murtala Seriki, youth leader, and Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, described it as free and fair.
Laguda thanked the delegates, party leaders and people of the federal constituency, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He said: “We give glory to the Almighty Allah for the good atmosphere. The primary was credible.”
The candidate said he will reach out to other aspirants for collaboration as members of a united political family.”
House of Assembly member Elliot, who described the primary as transparent, fair and orderly, congratulated Laguda and the party for a successful primary.
Hailing the process, Ibirogba said party leaders will spearhead reconciliation to pacify aggrieved contenders.
Surulere APC chairman, Sheriff Balogun said members of the party will now return home to mobilise for the by-election.