A new dimension to the race for the next chairman of Isolo Local Council Deveopment Area has emerged with the coming together of likeminds to work for a consensus candidate to be the next helmsman
Led by the incumbent chairman Shamsudeen Olaleye, the group of eight likeminds is determined to do everything possible to secure the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress for the candidate and ensure his victory in the local government elections next year.
An impeccable source disclosed to Echonews that the likeminds who came together to achieve this objective also include former member of the House of Representatives, Hon.Akeem Muniru, former vice chairman of Isolo LCDA, Chief Mojeeb Adams, former Executive Secretary Jubril, current secretary of the APC, Engineer Tubosun Oyegoke.
They are seeking the blessing of Pa Imran Taiwo, one of the members of the influential party organ, the Governor’s Advisory Council and member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson.
Echonews could not confirm if both had consented to the agenda as at press time as there were indications that political forces interested in another candidate were putting pressure on Pa Taiwo to work with them and promising his son, Taoheed the office of the Secretary to the Local Government.
Mr.Taoheed Taiwo is the former executive secretary of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government and former Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area.
However, the alliance’s crucial test will be how to choose a consensus candidate.
Both Chief Mojeeb Adams and Hon. Muniru have their eyes on the plum seat.
Hon. Olaleye favours the emergence of the incumbent secretary to the local government, Emmanuel Oloyede to be the next chairman.
The chairman, who comes from Ishagatedo ward is believed to be backing the campaign for the next chairman to come fom Ilasamaja ward because it will give Olojede, who is from the ward, advantage.
Last week, Engr. Oyegoke led a delegation of Ilasamaja community leaders to Hon. Shammeh to reiterate the case for the next chairmanship candidate to come from the ward.
The chairman responded by advising them to be prayerful and united in their quest to achieve their aims.
Pundits see the visit as a deft move to step up the campaign and rally the influential persons in the ward behind Olojede.
Another hurdle the team must scale is the controversy over the clamour of indigenes to have one of them on the seat.
Adams and Muniru are yet to resolve who between the two of them should be put forward as candidate while a fresh contender,Taheeb Aregbesola, is said to be waiting in the wings.
Although there are feelers that Hon. Johnson, if he consents to work with the alliance, will root for an indigenous candidate, indecision of Adams and Muniru may pave the way for Olojede to coast to victory and nail the indigenes’ cause.
Such a scenario will make the intra-party struggle for the ticket a straight bet between Olojede, the SLG and Adebayo Olasoju, the incumbent vice chairman.
As exclusively reported by Echonews, Olasoju is being backed by Fuji maestro Chief Ayinde Anifowoshe popularly known as KWAM1.
The highly influential musician has been able to gather the support of political heavyweights such as the former chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, grassroots political strategist, Otunba Jide Oni and their followers behind the ticket.
The support of the former state party chairman is very significant because he commands the loyalty of the party’s ward chairmen and councillors, enough foot soldiers to give whoever he backs a generous headstart.
Considering the fact that elections are still months ahead, it is too early in the day to foreclose switching of lanes on the road to victory.