A groundswell of discontent is brewing in Ogun State’s Remo Federal Constituency following the announcement of a 100-man All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the upcoming bye-election, one that, according to concerned stakeholders, is headlined by individuals with no roots in the constituency.

The Remo group, made up of political stakeholders, youth leaders, and community advocates, has strongly condemned what they describe as the imposition of “non-indigenes” to spearhead the campaign. They argue that the move not only sidelines qualified Remo natives but also disrespects the local community’s intelligence and capacity.

“For a local election, it is only logical that local leaders who understand the terrain and speak the language of the people are allowed to lead,” the group said in a statement. “This structure suggests that APC is already scripting its own failure.”Remo

Of particular concern is the reported marginalization of Remo aspirants who were allegedly coerced into abandoning their ambitions in favour of the governor’s preferred candidate, without compensation or recognition. According to the group, these aspirants were branded as “social media aspirants,” dismissed as irrelevant despite investing time, money, and genuine vision into the electoral process.

“These are men and women with the ideas and talents to serve their people. They know the challenges facing our communities, from Sagamu to Iperu to Isara,” the group added. “To be so disrespected is to spit on their efforts and insult the collective intelligence of Remo people.”

Drawing parallels with the 2023 general elections, the group accused the outgoing administration of repeating a familiar pattern, making last-minute political appointments to secure votes, only to abandon those appointees post-election.

“What’s unfolding is déjà vu. In 2023, appointments were dished out like candy before elections, only for the beneficiaries to be cast aside later. This time, PDA may not be returning to the Government House at Oke Mosan, but the same tactics are being deployed,” they stated.

The group also warned against what they described as the mobilisation of “political mercenaries” from outside Remo to allegedly supervise electoral manipulation. Sagamu, they stressed, is not unfamiliar with resistance and would not be cowed.Remo

“We are not a conquered people. No outsider will choose our representative for us. We demand peaceful, fair, and credible elections, but we will not allow strangers to control our process,” they said. “Security agencies, the Police, DSS, must ensure that the sanctity of the polls is preserved and that the votes of Remo people count.”

They further alleged that while non-indigenes are calling the shots, Remo youths are only being considered for thuggery and ballot snatching roles, another insult, they say, to the dignity and peace of their communities.

As political tensions escalate ahead of the bye-election, the call from Remo remains clear: let the people decide their fate, freely and fairly.

For more grassroots political updates and developing stories, visit fasnewsng.com.

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