By Staff Reporter
A group of concerned members and stakeholders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Alimosho, Lagos State, has called on Senator Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader, to urgently intervene in the controversy surrounding the party’s House of Representatives ticket for the Alimosho Federal Constituency.
In an open letter addressed to Dickson and copied to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and members of the NDC National Executive, the group alleged that the mandate of Hon. Ife Salako, who it said won the Alimosho primary, had been set aside.
According to the group, Salako polled 634 votes, while Toyin Omolabake reportedly received six votes.
The stakeholders questioned how a candidate who allegedly secured 634 votes could subsequently be displaced by another aspirant who reportedly received six votes.
“Sir, where is our mandate?” the group asked, demanding an explanation from the NDC leadership.
The group also recalled statements attributed to Senator Dickson before the party’s primaries, including assurances that all aspirants would receive equal protection and that there were no endorsed candidates.
It argued that the reported outcome of the Alimosho primary controversy appeared inconsistent with the principles of free and fair internal elections.
The stakeholders further appealed to the party leadership to investigate what they described as the circumstances surrounding the alleged replacement of the primary winner.
They specifically called for clarification on who authorised any change to the result, what party rule was relied upon and what happened to the official primary results.
The group also questioned the alleged involvement of Mr. John Ughulu and others in the controversy, while stressing that the allegations should be investigated rather than treated as established facts.
“This Is Alimosho’s Mandate”
The group maintained that the controversy was no longer merely a personal dispute involving Salako but had become an issue concerning members and supporters who participated in the primary election.
It also invoked a principle associated with Peter Obi that votes should count for democracy to flourish, arguing that electoral integrity should begin within political parties.
The stakeholders therefore urged Dickson and other national leaders of the NDC to intervene and resolve the matter before it escalates further.
“We are not asking for a favour. We are asking for our mandate back,” the group stated.
The stakeholders concluded by declaring their support for Salako, saying their position remained: “Ife Salako or nothing.”
