Zainab Abioye
Confusion and tension gripped the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State on Saturday following the omission of Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, from the list of aspirants cleared for the Ogun West senatorial primaries.
The development, which occurred hours before the exercise, has sparked outrage among party faithful and heightened concerns over internal cohesion within the ruling party.
Salako-Oyedele, who had publicly indicated interest in the race, was said to have purchased her nomination forms and concluded consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and interest groups across the five local government areas of Ogun West.
Her exclusion, however, has left supporters and political observers puzzled, with many describing the situation as unprecedented and capable of undermining confidence in the party’s internal processes.
Findings by Platform Times revealed that the deputy governor had intensified engagements with women groups and political associates in recent weeks, positioning herself as a strong contender and the only prominent female aspirant in the race.
A member of the She Leads Advocacy Group, Desola Jolaogun, described the omission as shocking, noting that the deputy governor had demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the party.
“It is surprising that a woman who has shown capacity, loyalty to the party and commitment to grassroots consultations would have her name missing from the list at this stage,” he said, adding that many women in the district had anticipated her participation.
Supporters of Salako-Oyedele also insisted that she met all stipulated requirements, expressing concern that the development could discourage women’s participation in politics within the state.
The controversy has since triggered intense discussions across political circles in Ogun, with party members demanding clarification from the leadership of the APC over the circumstances surrounding the list.
A chieftain of the party in Ogun East, Otunba Fatai Sowemimo, had earlier cautioned against exclusionary tendencies, warning that imposition of candidates could deepen divisions within the party.
According to him, sidelining loyal stakeholders may not immediately lead to defections but could result in silent protest capable of weakening the party’s electoral strength.
Observers also pointed out that Ogun State last produced a female senator over two decades ago when Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello served in the Senate, stressing that the current development could further stall efforts to promote gender inclusion.
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