The Accord Party’s Lagos State chapter has stated that the acceptance of its candidate for the Surulere I Federal Constituency by-election will give the party an advantage over other candidates.
Mr Dele Oladeji, the party’s Lagos State Chairman, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, saying the party had begun preparations for the election.
“We are ready for the bye-election in Surulere Constituency I.” We’ll be holding primary elections soon. Our candidates are prepared for the election and the competition.
“We are confident that we will win.
“The acceptability of our candidate, combined with the ruling party’s lacklustre performance at the centre, will give us an advantage in this election.”
“We are very optimistic of winning this election if the poll will be free, peaceful and credible,” the chairman said.
He said the party recognised the weight of the ruling APC, especially the influence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, in the constituency.
Oladeji said that Accord would swing a surprise as the party had begun mobilisation.
However, he stated that the party’s chances are partly dependent on the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold free and fair elections.
INEC had scheduled re-run and bye-elections in nine states, including Surulere Federal Constituency I, House of Representatives, for February 3, 2024.
After President Bola Tinubu nominated Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff, the Surulere seat became available.
Gbajabiamila held the seat prior to his appointment.