TheCable

Some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Ikeja federal constituency of Lagos state have rejected James Faleke.

Faleke, member representing the constituency in the house of representatives, is positioning himself for re-election in 2019.

The lawmaker had, in 2015, contested the deputy governorship seat in Kogi, his state of origin, and also asked the Independent National Election (INEC) to declare him winner of the election following the death of Abubakar Audu, governorship candidate in the poll.

But the electoral body scheduled a supplementary election while APC fielded Yahaya Bello as its candidate, forcing Faleke out of the race.

On Monday, APC members in Ikeja staged a protest against the re-election bid of rep.

The protesters, who chanted different solidarity songs against Faleke, a two-term member of the house of representatives, said he had not represented the constituency well.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Faleke, go back to Kogi, Ikeja say no to you”, “90 Shops in Kogi, Go back to your Kogi”.

Others read: “16 years of representing Ikeja with no constituency benefit”, “Dear Tinubu, the People of Ikeja, Ojodu, and Onigbongbo say no to Faleke”, among others.

One of the leaders of the protesters, Solomon Johnson, said there were so many capable and vibrant youths, men and women who could represent the constituency.

Johnson, a leader in Ikeja APC, said the protest was to tell the leadership of the party that the residents would not support the re-election of Faleke.

“He has been in power in the last 18 years and we feel he has done enough,” Johnson said.

According to him, since the lawmaker has gone to contest Kogi deputy governorship election, the legislative seat should be given to another individual.

He urged Faleke to concentrate on strengthening APC in Kogi rather than seek re-election by transferring his voter register back to Lagos.

“It will be a slap on the people of Ikeja federal constituency if Faleke is forced on residents, we have able youths that can represent the constituency and we have found Mrs Toke Benson,” he said.

“Since the party is interested in promoting women participation, Toke Benson is qualified, she is a lawyer and well known. Enough of impunity. Give us Toke Benson and we will deliver Ikeja for APC.”

Hope James, another protester, said, “The entire people of Ikeja want a change. The attention of Faleke has been in Kogi. Our people have not been benefiting from that office.”