By PETER ANOSIKE

The Igbo Community in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos has dissociated themselves from a publication (not by News Express) claiming that they purchased an APC nomination form for one Hon. Ayo Da-Silva.

In a statement titled: ‘Official Response to the publication on Amuwo-Odofin Community’,

they stated that after careful review and internal consultations, they discovered that the claim is unfounded, misleading, and does not represent the position or actions of Ndi Igbo in Amuwo-Odofin.

“The publication claimed that the Igbo community purchased the APC nomination form as a declaration of where we stand. However, no recognized Igbo leadership structure or umbrella body within Amuwo-Odofin authorized or carried out such an action. Our independent inquiries among community leaders confirm that no such collective decision or financial contribution was made,” the statement reads in part.

According to Ndi Igbo Amuwo-Odofin, that raises serious concerns about the credibility and intent of the publication.

They said that for years, Ndi Igbo in Amuwo-Odofin have been treated as political participants only when it is convenient—mobilized for votes, used for grassroots work, and yet excluded from meaningful inclusion and representation.

According to them, it is therefore troubling that their name is now being used without consent to manufacture political legitimacy.

“We strongly reject this pattern where Ndi Igbo are reduced to tools in political narratives, much like laborers who are called upon to build but denied a stake in what is built. This is not only unfair but deeply damaging to the unity the party seeks to promote. We therefore challenge the promoters of this report to: Provide verifiable names of the Igbo groups or leaders involved, Present evidence of any such financial transaction or collective resolution, or publicly retract what can only be described as political propaganda. It is also important to note that the article itself acknowledges the significant demographic and political influence of Ndi Igbo in Amuwo-Odofin. If this is indeed the case, then the path forward should be genuine inclusion, fair representation, and structured engagement not fabricated endorsements,” the community said.

Ndigbo in Amuwo Odofin stated that they are concerned that such narratives may be part of a broader attempt to stoke ethnic sentiment and manipulate political perception, potentially provoking distrust and unintended reactions among our people.

According to them, this is a dangerous path that does not serve the long-term interest of the party or the constituency.

“Let it be clearly stated: Ndi Igbo in Amuwo-Odofin are committed to democratic participation, fairness, and unity—but we will not accept being misrepresented, profiled, or used as pawns in political games,” they said.