By Oluwatope Lawanson

Ms Abimbola Oshikoya, an aspirant for Ikeja Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has pledged support for the incumbent lawmaker, Mr Adedamola Kasunmu, following his adoption as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.

Oshikoya said she would work with Kasunmu to advance the interests of women and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach people at the grassroots.

She spoke in an interviews with the Newsmen on the sidelines of the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries in Ikeja.

Newsmen reports that Kasunmu emerged as the APC consensus candidate for Ikeja Constituency II after consultations among party stakeholders and agreements reached by other aspirants contesting the seat.

Other aspirants in the race included Mr Wale Ajala, Princess Bimbo Oshikoya and Mr Oladipo.

According to Oshikoya, the party’s decision to adopt Kasunmu was binding on all aspirants in line with party supremacy.

“They said the party is supreme. It was the party’s decision that all other aspirants should step down for the incumbent, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu, so we have no choice. We have to obey the party’s supremacy,” she said.

The aspirant, however, clarified that she did not voluntarily withdraw from the contest.

“As a woman, I want women to feel the dividends of governance, so I will continue to work with Kasunmu,” she added.

Oshikoya urged Kasunmu, who is serving his third term and also doubles as Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, to strengthen grassroots engagement and make governance more impactful at the community level.

“He should make sure that governance comes down to the grassroots. A lot of people are being discouraged.

“There is a lot he can do. What we are appealing to him is that he should bring governance back to the grassroots and let the people feel his impact,” she said.

She also stressed the need for representation to translate into tangible benefits for party members and constituents.

“The lawmaker should improve on his representation for the benefit of party members and constituents. He should let the people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Oshikoya said.

Commenting on the conduct of the primaries, she said there was need for improvement in the process, especially regarding the late arrival of electoral officials.

“We should just improve on the process. It has been like this all the time. They should please improve on it,” she said.

Newsmen reports that Kasunmu, who was first elected in 2015, is seeking re-election for a fourth term in office.

Princess Oshikoya had earlier declared her intention to contest the seat in April 2022.