A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Mrs. Hussain, popularly known as Aladuke, has raised serious concerns over the growing threat to democracy in Surulere, warning against what she described as undue political imposition and emerging dictatorial tendencies within the party.
According to her, democracy in Surulere is gradually being replaced with dictatorship, while the current peace within APC in Surulere reflects what she described as “the peace of a graveyard” — a silence driven by suppression rather than unity and inclusiveness.
She noted that while President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) continues to renew hope for Nigerians through his Renewed Hope Agenda, such efforts risk being undermined in Surulere by the alleged continuous dictatorial influence of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Chief Mrs. Hussain emphasized that APC in Surulere is blessed with competent, experienced, and dynamic leaders capable of delivering electoral success. However, she warned that the future of successful elections in Surulere is gradually being threatened by the erosion of internal democracy.
She recalled that in the past, stakeholders and party leaders were always consulted in the emergence of elected and appointed representatives. However, she expressed concern that the last two years have witnessed a departure from this democratic tradition. She cited the recently concluded party executives’ election, alleging that only a few individuals determined the outcome, sidelining the majority of party leaders and members.
She described the development as unhealthy for a democratic party, stressing that APC cannot afford to allow its internal processes to be controlled by a handful of individuals.
As preparations begin for the emergence of candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly, she warned that similar imposition must be avoided, calling instead for transparent, credible, and democratic primaries.
“Enough is enough,” she declared, urging party faithful and the people of Surulere to defend democracy and demand their right to vote and be voted for.
She further called on stakeholders to allow fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the selection of candidates, emphasizing that Surulere must stand up for democracy and uphold the principle of one man, one vote, as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Jagaban.
Chief Mrs. Hussain therefore appealed to party leadership to intervene and save Surulere from political imposition, while preserving the democratic values that have sustained the party over the years.
She concluded by praying for unity, fairness, and true democratic practice in Surulere, urging all stakeholders to work together in the interest of the party and the people.
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