Stakeholders endorse aspirant as consensus Reps candidate

Stakeholders across Lagos Mainland—spanning Ebute Metta West, Ebute Metta East and Yaba—have endorsed Prince Abdul Akeem Animashaun as their consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat.

They backed the zoning of the seat to Ebute Metta West in a move aimed at correcting decades of political marginalisation and fostering inclusive representation.

In a show of unity, political leaders, community representatives and grassroots stakeholders from Lagos Mainland, at a news conference, said the decision to endorse Animashaun was a move to address what they described as a long-standing imbalance in political representation in the constituency.

They said the step would ensure justice, equity and fairness.

The people said Ebute Metta West had, for nearly three decades since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, raised concerns over political exclusion and marginalisation.

According to them, ‘’this perceived imbalance has begun to strain unity in the constituency and can impact party cohesion ahead of future elections if left unresolved.’’

They said despite its contributions to electoral victories—particularly in support of All Progressives Congress (APC)—Ebute Metta West had not received commensurate political recognition, with an estimated 99 per cent of elective and appointive positions reportedly concentrated in Yaba and Ebute Metta East over the years.

Describing the current moment as critical, stakeholders from Ebute Metta East and Yaba declared their support for zoning the seat to Ebute Metta West, describing the move as a necessary corrective step toward restoring balance and strengthening democratic inclusion.

“The endorsement of Prince Animashaun reflects a shared commitment to fairness, political stability and inclusive governance,” the stakeholders said, adding that his candidacy had gained support across diverse segments of the constituency.

Comrade Dosugan Caleb, representing Makoko Waterfront Community, highlighted the struggles faced by residents over a disputed waterfront reclamation project dating back to 2020.

He said despite the community’s rejection of the project and ongoing legal action against relevant authorities and a private developer, their concerns had remained unaddressed.

He hoped Animashaun’s emergence would bring renewed attention to the plight of Makoko people, urging the aspirant not to abandon the community if elected.

Mrs. Bolingo from Yaba decried what she described as persistent marginalisation within Lagos Mainland, affirming support for Animashaun’s candidature.

Akamu Ganiu from Ebute Metta West, alongside other participants, hailed Animashaun’s integrity and commitment to grassroots development, describing him as a credible leader capable of delivering effective representation.