By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Fresh revelations have emerged following earlier reports surrounding the alleged endorsement of aspirants ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Although an earlier report by KosofePost suggested that APC chieftain Bushira Alebiosu backed Dele Oshinowo for the House of Representatives seat, sources close to the party leader have now insisted that he never openly endorsed any aspirant in the contest.
Attention had initially focused on the visit of the incumbent lawmaker, Kafilat Ogbara, during the presentation of her expression of interest and nomination forms for a second-term bid.
Photographs from the meeting, which showed Alebiosu and Ogbara smiling and raising their joined hands, fueled speculation of a political endorsement. The gesture was widely interpreted by political observers as a public show of solidarity or support.
However, a source familiar with the development claimed the gesture was misunderstood.
“Otunba’s hand was forcefully lifted while he was unaware,” the source alleged.
The source further stated that the APC leader had remained neutral throughout the process, noting that all aspirants were instructed to engage with their respective party leaders and stakeholders.
“Baba has now turned into a beautiful bride because all of them were told to go and meet their respective GAC leaders,” the source added.
Further findings reportedly indicated that Alebiosu neither publicly supported Oshinowo nor Ogbara, especially amid claims circulated before the primary election that Remi Odunsi-Oluwalogbon was the preferred aspirant of influential party stakeholders.
Political observers noted that the alignment of some supporters loyal to Alebiosu with Odunsi-Oluwalogbon during the primary election appeared to reinforce speculations about where the perceived establishment interest lay.
At the conclusion of the primary election, Oshinowo emerged victorious, defeating other contenders, including Odunsi-Oluwalogbon, who reportedly rejected the outcome and claimed no valid election took place.
Meanwhile, Ogbara, who reportedly finished fifth in the contest according to results circulated in a viral broadcast, has continued to maintain that she won the primary election.