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| The two politicians. |
A major political development has emerged ahead of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary election for Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, as frontline aspirant, Hon. Oladele Egbayelo, has officially stepped down for Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca.
The primary election is scheduled to hold on Friday,
May 29, 2026, and the latest move is already being viewed by party stakeholders
and supporters as a significant step toward unity and consensus within the
party.
Hon. Egbayelo formally communicated his withdrawal
through an official letter addressed to the Chairman of the Primary Election
Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Lagos State.
In the letter dated May 26, 2026, Egbayelo stated that
he had voluntarily withdrawn from the contest for the House of Representatives
ticket in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency under the platform of the NDC.
He explained that after consultations and in the
interest of the party, he agreed to step down in favour of Hon. Francis
Barthlomew Chima as the party’s aspirant for the constituency.
According to the letter, the decision was made
voluntarily and without any form of pressure, coercion, or intimidation.
Egbayelo wrote that the move was driven by his
commitment to the unity and progress of the party ahead of the 2027 general
elections.
He also disclosed in the letter that he had accepted
the party’s decision for him to contest for the Apapa Federal Constituency seat
under the platform of the NDC.
The letter partly read:
“I, Hon. Oladele Egbayelo, hereby formally notify the
Primary Election Committee of my voluntary withdrawal as an aspirant for the
House of Representatives primary election in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal
Constituency under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Consequently, I have agreed to step down in favour of
Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima as the party’s aspirant for Ajeromi/Ifelodun
Federal Constituency.”
He further requested the party leadership and
electoral committee to accept and give effect to the withdrawal and
substitution in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the NDC
constitution, and the party’s guidelines for primary elections.
The development now effectively positions Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, widely known as OmoBarca, as the consensus candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency primary election.
Reacting to the development, OmoBarca welcomed the decision by Hon. Egbayelo and described it as a positive and commendable move made in the spirit of peace, unity, and collective progress for the people of Ajeromi/Ifelodun.
He praised Egbayelo for demonstrating maturity, sacrifice, and commitment to the bigger vision of building a stronger political platform capable of delivering quality representation to the constituency.
According to OmoBarca, the decision reflects the growing unity within the NDC and the determination of party leaders and aspirants to work together for the common good of the people.
“This is a welcome development in the spirit of peace, unity, and progress of Ajeromi/Ifelodun,” OmoBarca said.He also assured supporters that he would continue to
work closely with Hon. Egbayelo and other stakeholders within the party to
ensure the advancement and development of the constituency.
OmoBarca stressed that the focus now should be on
building a united front capable of addressing the needs of the people through
effective representation, empowerment programmes, youth development, and
community advancement.
Political observers within the constituency have
described the latest development as a strategic move capable of strengthening
the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many supporters of the party believe that the
emergence of OmoBarca as a consensus candidate may help reduce internal
divisions and consolidate support within the constituency.
OmoBarca has continued to enjoy growing popularity in
Ajeromi/Ifelodun due to his longstanding philanthropic activities and
grassroots engagement.
Over the years, he has been widely recognised for
supporting the sick, paying school fees for indigent students, assisting widows
and vulnerable residents, sponsoring religious pilgrimages for Muslims and
Christians, and empowering youths and traders within the constituency.
Supporters believe his emergence as the consensus
candidate could further strengthen the NDC’s chances in the constituency ahead
of the general election.
The NDC primary election for the House of
Representatives seat is expected to hold tomorrow, May 29, 2026, amid
heightened political interest across Lagos State.
Party faithful and political stakeholders are already
anticipating a smooth exercise following the consensus arrangement reached
among leading aspirants.
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