…As youths protest consensus outcome

One of the leading contenders for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat, Olumide Kola-Lawal, has stepped down for the incumbent Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, in what he described as a mark of respect for the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership’s consensus decision, pledging his unflinching support ahead of the general elections.

Speaking at a press conference held in Apapa, Olumide fondly called OKL echoed the party’s supremacy which he said towers high above aspirants’ interest.

Olumide while charging members to remain loyal to APC added that he totally aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power in 2027.

“Today, however, I stand before you guided by another principle – one that is essential to democracy and party unity.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the consensus framework adopted by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have made the decision to suspend my campaign forthwith.

“This decision is not a retreat from service. Rather, it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity, discipline, and the greater good of the party and the nation.

“I fully align with the party’s position and lend my support to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. In that spirit, I also support the return of Distinguished Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun to the Senate in 2027.

“To my supporters, partners, and goodwill ambassadors – this moment calls for maturity, understanding, and continued belief in the democratic process.

“The strength of our movement has never been about one individual; it has always been about our shared values and collective vision.

“I urge you all to stand firm, remain engaged, and support the direction of our party.

Let me reassure you: this is not the end of the journey. It is a step within a larger path of service.

“The relationships we have built, the insights we have gathered, and the trust we have earned will continue to guide our contributions to society.

“We move forward – together – with hope, unity, and unwavering commitment.

Thank you, and may we continue to work for the progress of our people and the strength of our democracy.”

In the trajectory of how his aspiration started via a moment of quiet reflection in February 2025, he stressed that his aspiration is an idea not driven by personal ambition and conviction, but by a sincere desire to serve following which he had to visit Nigeria twelve times to galvanise a connection with the people.

“Together, we have walked this path:We engaged across all 13 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas within Lagos Central Senatorial District.

“We connected directly with over 90 electoral wards. We consulted widely – across leadership circles, communities, and grassroots stakeholders. And importantly, we held town hall meetings, where we listened – truly listened – to the everyday concerns, hopes, and aspirations of our people.

“More importantly, we had a well-structured plan around innovation and entrepreneurship, human development, and connecting the grassroots to global opportunities.

“This process has been deeply educative. It has reinforced a simple but powerful truth: leadership is not about speaking the loudest, but about listening the most.”Olumide submits.

Meanwhile, shortly after Olumide’s departure, several APC youths expressed their displeasure over the development, stating in clear terms that they have not really felt any meaningful impact of the incumbent Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun in the area, compared to Kola-Lawal whom they claimed had empowered over 1000 constituents in the senatorial district.

Daniel Kingsley a resident of Apapa local government lamented the situation and it points to, “in politics you always have what is called godfather, and whenever there is a godfather you have to follow his rules, he has endorsed Eshilokun and OKL is the mandate of Apapa youths.

“Eshinlokun has never come to Apapa to give us a structure of leadership, we have not seen him, he is trying to make us know that this politics is a monarchy game but we respect our party, that is why we are still here, let’s reason well with ourselves, it is OKL we want in Abuja not Eshinlokun.

Another youth Ariwoayo Olatunde Stephen, faulted the consensus arrangement on the basis that it fails to give the youths a sense of belonging.

“Yes the party’s decision is supreme, we know and OKL has accepted but the incumbent we are talking about which is Eshinlokun has not done anything in Lagos Central.

“OK, that is our mandate, which is not even in power and he has done even more than 1000 empowerments in Lagos Central and he has been on this movement for the past 13 months, he has accepted the party’s decision because it is supreme but we APC members are not happy with the party’s decision. OKL is our mandate and the person we wish to go to Abuja to serve us because he will not betray us.

“We supported APC from the grassroots, we believe in the mandate of Asiwaju as our President but the consensus candidate that they gave Eshilokun now is so painful and it is a missed opportunity for Lagos Central.”