By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A prominent community advocate and former supervisor for Kosofe Local Government, Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo, has weighed in on the growing political conversations surrounding the Kosofe Constituency II race for the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the APC primary election.
Oyebanjo, popularly known as GOCO, addressed recurring concerns over the alleged backing of some aspirants, particularly Dr. Murtala Seriki, stating that there is nothing wrong with individuals or political stakeholders supporting candidates of their choice.
Speaking on Tuesday, the former supervisor argued that political support and endorsements remain integral parts of democratic participation and healthy political competition.
“In principle, there is absolutely nothing wrong with supporting an aspirant of one’s choice,” Oyebanjo said. “Multiple people supporting different aspirants creates a marketplace of ideas, which theoretically forces candidates to work harder for the people’s trust.”
He maintained that the freedom to associate, endorse, and mobilise for preferred candidates is a legitimate democratic right that should not automatically be interpreted as imposition.
According to him, concerns only arise when political office holders or party leaders attempt to use official influence to obstruct fairness or manipulate the process in favour of a particular candidate.
Oyebanjo, however, noted that the current APC primary arrangement appears more transparent due to the adoption of a direct primary system, which allows party members to determine the eventual outcome.
“Every aspirant seeks support from influential people. There is no aspirant without backing,” he stated. “There’s nothing wrong if you can go as far as the Presidency for support.”
The community advocate stressed that beyond political endorsements, the quality, competence, and acceptability of candidates among party members and residents should remain the major focus of the contest.
He further observed that in political contests, opposing camps often frame support structures differently depending on their interests.
“Every side will try to frame their opponent’s support as ‘imposition’ and their own as ‘grassroots love,’” he said.
“As you lay your bed, so will you lie on it.”
His comments come amid increasing political activities and alignments ahead of the APC House of Assembly primary election scheduled for May 23, 2026, where multiple aspirants are expected to battle for the party’s ticket in Kosofe Constituency II.