Ward chairmen across Egbeda Local Government Area have strongly refuted claims that they endorsed a third-term bid for Honorable Olasunkanmi Babalola as widely reported in a section of online media.
This was as they described the reports as false, misleading, and a distortion of the true position of party structures at the grassroots in Egbeda LG.
The aggrieved ward leaders, who contacted westernmirror News on Sunday for clarification, stated that no meeting was convened nor any collective decision reached to support such an endorsement.
They insisted that the purported declaration does not reflect the views of the majority of ward executives within the council.
“We wish to categorically state that no such endorsement was made by the ward chairmen in Egbeda Local Government.
“At no time was a meeting held where a third-term agenda for Olasunkanmi Babalola was discussed or approved,” the ward chairmen stated.
The chairmen emphasized that the reports were misleading and capable of causing unnecessary tension within the party, urging members and the public to disregard them.
According to sources within the party, the alleged endorsement was linked to the Chairman of Chairmen and Ward 7 Chairman, Samson Oladele, who was said to have acted independently and without the consent of his colleagues.
The ward leaders maintained that his actions do not represent the collective will of party structures in Egbeda.
“Any statement credited to an individual without the mandate of other ward chairmen should be treated as personal and not binding on the party, such actions do not reflect our collective position,” one of the chairmen stated.
Reaffirming their commitment to party discipline and due process, the chairmen noted that they would await the outcome of consultations and consensus-building efforts by recognised party leaders before taking any official stance on future political arrangements.
“We remain loyal to the party and committed to due process,” they stated. “We will abide by the decisions of the leadership after proper consultations and a transparent consensus process.”
They further warned that attempts to impose or promote a third-term agenda could generate disaffection among party members and voters, potentially undermining the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
“Egbeda is politically sensitive and requires unity, inclusiveness, and strategic decision-making,” another party source said.
“Any move that sidelines due process or collective agreement risks weakening our electoral strength ahead of 2027.”
The ward chairmen therefore urged party leaders, faithful and the general public to disregard any claims of endorsement, reiterating their dedication to internal democracy and the stability of the party.
“We call on all stakeholders and the public to ignore the rumoured endorsement, our priority remains unity, transparency, and the collective interest of the party,” they concluded.
