By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lawmaker representing Kosofe constituency 1, and APC candidate Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon has continued to receive congratulatory messages from constituents at his constituency office over his victory in the March 18 House of Assembly election. Hon. Okanlawon was one of the 40-man Lagos State House of Assembly members recently elected and presented with certificates of return by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC.
Community stakeholders including Local Government Chairmen, Legislators Community Development Associations, community leaders, ’97 Yaba tech Alumni, religious leaders, youth groups, All Progressives Congress members, non-indigenes, artisans, and traditional leaders have all congratulated Hon. Okanlawon on his victory.
However, the Labour Party candidate for Kosofe constituency 1, Hon. Akinwande Osikominu has rejected the result and called for a cancellation of the exercise, citing irregularities in the conduct of the election. Hon. Osikominu has filed a petition to challenge Hon. Okanlawon’s victory in the court of law.
The election was reportedly keenly contested, with both candidates campaigning vigorously and seeking the support of the constituents in the constituency. Hon. Okanlawon, who is also the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, promised to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to his people if re-elected. Hon. Osikominu, on the other hand, promised to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the governance of the constituency.
The rejection of the election result by the LP candidate has generated mixed reactions from the constituents, with some expressing disappointment and frustration, while others believe that the LP candidate is merely seeking attention and trying to discredit the election.
The APC candidate, Hon. Okanlawon, has urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, while expressing confidence that the court will do justice to the matter. He has also reiterated his commitment to working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of the people of Kosofe constituency 1.
As the legal battle unfolds, constituents in Kosofe constituency 1 wait with bated breath to see the outcome of the petition filed by the LP candidate, and whether or not Hon. Okanlawon will be able to continue to serve as their representative at the Lagos State House of Assembly.