Encomium
NIGERIANS will be on the march again on Saturday, March 28, 2015, when they will go to the polls to elect a new president and members of National Assembly.
ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with some candidates for the National Assembly election in Lagos State on their challenges and hopes in the coming election.
‘I will give quality representation’ – ROTIMI AGUNSOYE, Kosofe Fed. Constituency
Why are you in the race?
Because I want to serve my people.
What are the challenges you have faced in the race?
Hooliganism from the PDP.
What has made you happy in the race?
The overwhelming acceptance of APC.
What are your chances in the coming election?
By the special grace of God, we are expecting to have 85 per cent to 90 per cent of the votes.
What will you do if you win?
To give quality representation to the state.
What will you do if you lose?
I will take it in the spirit of sportsmanship.
‘Card readers will reduce rigging’ – HON. FEMI ADEBANJO,
House of Representatives (Alimosho Fed. Constituency)
Why are you in the race?
I am in the race to give the people of my constituency qualitative representation at the National Assembly and to move Nigeria forward.
What are your chances in the election?
Very bright.
What were the challenges you encountered in the cause of electioneering campaign?
Violence by some of PDP supporters.
What are you happy about the coming election?
The use of card readers. It will reduce rigging during voting.
What will you do if you win?
I will give God the glory. I will also thank the electorate and assure them I will never disappoint.
What will you do if you lose?
I will also give God His glory.
‘My chances are bright’ – HON. OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA (Lagos West Senatorial District)
What would you say informed your joining the senatorial race?
The urge to serve my people at that level. I believe among all the contestants that are running for this senatorial district seat, I am the most qualified to give the people their desired representation which is qualitative.
What were the challenges since being in the race?
Before now, I was contesting in just one local government area, but now I am contesting in 10 local governments areas and 28 LCDAs. But by the grace of Almighty God, we have been able to surmount the challenges.
When will you say was the happiest moment in this race?
The day I won the primary (elections). The day I was pronounced the senatorial candidate of my party. Also, the level of support I have enjoyed from the people of Lagos West senatorial district has been a great source of joy for me. It has been a worthwhile experience.
Do you nurse any fear about the election?
Yes, whether there will be election or not. But from all indications, it seems INEC is ready to conduct the election.
What do you think your chances are in the election?
My chances are very bright. I am 100 per cent sure that I am going to win. By the grace of God, victory is ours.
What will you do if you win the election?
I will thank God Almighty who has spared my life during the electioneering process. Then I will thank all the party leaders, particularly Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will also thank all the party faithful and the electorate for electing me as their next senator. It is certainly going to be a joyous moment and I will celebrate with my family.
What about if you lose, what will you do?
I can’t think otherwise. I know I am going to win.
‘I will pursue my agenda vigorously’ – ADEYEMI ALLI (Mushin Fed. Constituency I)
Why are you in the race?
To represent my people and make sure that they have a say in Nigeria’s polity. And of course, to pursue progressive ideas that would be of direct benefit to my people.
What were the challenges that you have faced in the course of this race?
People are asking for too many things as if one is contesting for governorship. Notwithstanding, the party is there for us.
What are you happy about in the race?
I am happy about the enthusiasm of the people about us.
What are your chances in the race?
Very bright.
What would you do if you win?
I will pursue vigorously my agenda to the benefit of the people.
What will you do if you lose?
God forbid, even though it is not a do or die affair, I can never lose.
‘I fear no one’ – HON. JIDE JIMOH
(Lagos Mainland Fed. Constituency)
Why are you in the race?
I am in the race because of the passion to serve my people.
What were the challenges you encountered in the cause of this race?
There were many challenges, but for someone who has been contesting elections for so many years now, such challenges no longer bother me. I know I will overcome them.
What are you happy about in the race?
The acceptance of my candidature and our party (APC) by the people.
Are you nursing any fear about the election?
Not at all. If you believe in the Almighty God, you have no cause to fear at all. I fear no one.
What do you think your chances are in the election?
Very bright. We are relying on God and hope for positive result at the end of the election. Not for me alone but also for our party, APC.
What will you do if you win the election?
I will be happy and thank God. I will also appreciate the electorate for what they have done.
What will you do if you lose?
If you believe in God, you don’t think anything negative. Negativity is not my pact when it comes to election. I have been tested and trusted. I know I can never lose this election. I will win by the special grace of God. I am very hopeful.
-Interviews by TOLANI ABATTI
