Politics
Breaking: Egbayelo Steps Down for OmoBarca Ahead of Ajeromi/Ifelodun NDC Reps Primary
The political atmosphere in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency witnessed a major development ahead of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary election, as frontline aspirant, Hon. Oladele Egbayelo, officially stepped down for Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca.
The NDC primary election is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 29, 2026, and party stakeholders have described the move as a significant step toward unity and consensus within the party.
Hon. Egbayelo formally communicated his withdrawal in 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In the letter dated May 26, 2026, Egbayelo stated that he had voluntarily withdrawn from the contest for the House of Representatives ticket for Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency under the platform of the NDC.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 taken voluntarily and without any form of pressure, coercion, or intimidation.
Egbayelo noted 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 that he had accepted the party’s decision for him to contest for the Apapa Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the NDC.
Part of the letter 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, popularly 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 move made in the spirit of peace, unity, and collective progress for the people of Ajeromi/Ifelodun.
He praised Egbayelo for demonstrating political 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 should now 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 described the latest development as a strategic move capable of strengthening the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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 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 2027 general elections.
The NDC primary election for the House of Representatives seat is expected to hold on 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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