The Association of Surulere Residents in the Diaspora (United Kingdom) in a statement released on Saturday 3rd May 2023 through its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Olayeni Pratt in London has expressed deep outrage and profound disappointment over the disqualification of Hon. Bashir Lanrewaju Oshodi from the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Local Government primary elections. This action, orchestrated by the party’s Screening Committee, is a blatant and indefensible attack on democratic ideals and the people’s will.
According to a document released by the APC Screening Committee on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, Hon. Oshodi was disqualified on the grounds of not possessing a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). This claim is patently false. We have verified that Hon. Oshodi is in possession of a valid PVC, and its reference number was duly provided in his application form. The decision to disqualify him, therefore, appears to be a premeditated move cloaked in procedural falsehoods.
This shameful maneuver is not only an affront to the intelligence of Surulere’s citizens but a dangerous erosion of the party’s democratic processes. It reeks of political suppression, where merit and popular support are sacrificed at the altar of favoritism and internal manipulation.
Hon. Lanrewaju Oshodi is widely recognized as a principled, visionary, and people-oriented leader. He symbolizes the hope of a new generation—one that prioritizes community service, accountability, and authentic grassroots engagement. To unjustly bar him from contesting is to trample upon the voices and aspirations of countless Surulere residents who believe in his leadership.
The association is calling on the Chairman of the APC Screening Committee, Barr. Tunde Oganla, SAN, and all members of the committee to immediately revisit and reverse this unjust decision. They must uphold the principles of fairness and resist any attempt to use their office to settle political scores or suppress credible candidates. Their allegiance must lie with justice, not the whims of party strongmen.
Should this disqualification stand, it will be seen as a direct assault on the democratic rights of the people of Surulere—both at home and abroad. The APC must not allow internal tyranny to replace democratic engagement. Such injustice is a stain on the conscience of the party and an insult to its members.
The Association of Surulere Residents in the Diaspora (UK) remains committed to defending democracy and justice. We will continue to mobilize, advocate, and speak out against any form of political injustice. Our commitment to our homeland remains unwavering, and we will not stand idly by while undemocratic forces attempt to rewrite the will of the people.
