By Habeeb Ibrahim
QS. Abdulazeez Awesu, chairmanship candidate of the Labour Party in Ikorodu Local Government, on Sunday said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the party was not prepared to win elections.
“I want to win an election. PDP is not ready to win elections,” Awesu told reporters of BlackBox Nigeria during the 3rd Ikorodu Local Government Debate held on June 29 at the Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town Hall.
The event, convened by the R.E.A.L Initiative in collaboration with Ikorodu Division Youth and supported by organisations including The IMPACT Newspaper and the Mass Communication Department of LASUSTECH, was intended to provide a platform for candidates to engage with the public. However, the debate segment was suspended following the absence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Only two candidates, QS. Abdulazeez Awesu of the Labour Party and Princess Sadiat Odofin were present. In his five-minute opening speech, Awesu expressed appreciation to the organisers but later explained why he did not proceed with the debate.
“It’s supposed to be a debate, right? And a credible one at that. But the way it is, other political parties that are supposed to be here are not dearly represented, and I believe the purpose of this so-called event has been defeated,” he said.
Awesu also said his decision to step aside from the debate was based on principles.
“Politics is politics. One plus one is not always two,” he said. “Quality representation is what the people of Ikorodu need, and that is one of the things I’m here and willing to give.”
Princess Sadiat Odofin, who also addressed the audience for five minutes, introduced herself and shared her background. She encouraged the organisers to consider hosting a more widely publicised event before the July 12 elections.
“Many people weren’t even aware this was happening,” she said. “I believe there’s room to re-evaluate, go back to the drawing board, and do it even better.”
The convener of the event, Mr. Abolaji Oluwaseun Elesho, responded to the absence of one of the candidates and the concerns raised by those who attended.
“We respect their request and acknowledge that such incidents may occur. However, we appeal to our people, especially those at the grassroots, to be more concerned about engaging with politicians,” he said.
Although the debate did not hold as planned, candidates used the available time to introduce themselves and address attendees ahead of the July 12 local government election.
