Questions Why a Deputy Chief Whip Should Be Denied Higher Political Aspiration
The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, has commended the emergence of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while also describing the party’s governorship primary election in Ogun State as peaceful and symbolic.
Hon. Isiaka disclosed this while addressing journalists shortly after the governorship primary election held at his ward in Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The federal lawmaker said the primary, which produced Senator Adeola as the party’s standard bearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election, reflected the democratic activities ongoing within the APC across the country.
Isiaka described Senator Adeola as “ well-accepted icon,” saying the APC governorship primary was another important exercise for the party in the state.
However, the Deputy Chief Whip later expressed dissatisfaction over the political developments surrounding his own aspiration, lamenting what he described as negative narratives and growing apathy within parts of his constituency.
According to him, despite his loyalty to the party, he felt compelled to defend his political contributions and popularity, especially within Ifo Local Government Area.
He said it took a lot of persuasion and encouragement for his people to come out for the exercise.
His words: “Because of some circumstances leading to the one of today, I will still call this a bit of apathy. Otherwise, it required a lot of courage and persuasion that I had to go round appealing to them to come for this exercise, I will call it small mobilization. “
He maintained that contrary to speculations surrounding his achievements, people in Ifo had continued to appreciate his developmental efforts over the years.
“So for somebody to now come out with narratives to say that it is Ifo people that are saying they don’t want Isiaka. That is the narrative I want to correct and change”
Isiaka further urged journalists to independently investigate his political acceptance among community leaders, religious groups, and youth organisations in the area.
The lawmaker, who appeared emotional while recounting his political journey, noted that he had always contested through primary elections without enjoying automatic tickets or zoning arrangements.
“This is my third consecutive term in the House of Representatives. At no time had I ever been given a ticket to say ‘go’. And at no time had ever been a consideration to say ‘let us zone’ or ‘rotate’ between Ifo and Ewekoro,” he lamented.
In a reflective tone, Isiaka questioned why his political advancement was being resisted despite his ranking position in the National Assembly.
“And like I said, I still just cannot phantom some things out that, in the South West, House of Representatives, you have the number one person in the House of Representatives who is the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. But we now say that the person should not move to the next level. I leave that in the hands of Almighty Allah,” Isiaka concluded.
