Senators Idiat Adebule (Lagos West), Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni (Central) and Tokunbo Abiru (East) on Monday, May 18 got return tickets as All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for next year’s election.

The chairman of National Assembly Primary Committee, Shehu Yipmong, who monitored the exercise across the three districts, hailed the huge turnout of party faithful at the affirmation centres.

The three senators were returned as consensus candidates at the shadow poll, which Yipmong said was devoid of intimidation and coercion.

At Awori Senior College, Ojo, venue of the grand affirmation, the electoral officer, Rotimi Abiru, former member of the House of Assembly, said party members who voluntarily affirmed Adebule’s candidature with their party cards, were peaceful and orderly.

The party chairman, who led the committee members to the venue, thanked party members for their dedication and commitment.

He said having voluntarily picked Adebule as candidate, they should also come out in next year’s election to complete the process by voting for her massively.

Accompanied by former Head of Service Adesegun Ogunlewe, Mutiu Are, Wasiu Bawa-Allah, Demola Sodiq, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, and Sesan Daini, Yipmong, who hailed the party members, noted that they gave their consent with enthusiasm, adding that their love for the party was real.

He said: “We came here. We didn’t see any barricade. There is no hinderance. You voted voluntarily. As you did it willingly, development will also follow you willingly.”

At the Lagos City Centre, venue of the collation for Lagos Central District, Yipmong and his team were welcomed by the electoral officer, Mrs. Bimpe Akinsola, who told him that the affirmation was conducted at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan.

Ojelabi hailed the unity, togetherness and dynamism displayed by the Lagos Central APC leaders.

Yipmong, who said he was on a dact-finding mission, noted that the returning officers have done a good job assigned by the party.

He described Lagos as a model chapter for the entire country, adding that the members have lived to expectation.

Yipmong urged the returning officers to do due diligence and maintain transparency to the end.

Adesola reported that the exercise was conducted in the five local councils – Etiosa, Apapa, Surulere, Mainland and Lagos Island – in an atmosphere of friendliness.

Are congratulated Eshilokun-Sanni, noting that the shadow poll was not characterised by shooting of guns. (The Nation)