0
0
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has strongly denied allegations made by Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Lagos State President, Dr. Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, that Igbo residents were prevented from voting in the July 12 Local Government Elections held across Lagos State.
Dr. Aguene, speaking to journalists on Saturday, alleged that Igbos living in Lagos have consistently been disenfranchised during local elections and systematically excluded from running for key political positions such as local government chairmanship and councillorship.
“Do you know that Igbos resident in Lagos are denied the opportunity to vote? This happens not just in this election—it happens every time. We’re also excluded from contesting for key positions despite our economic and political contributions to the state,” Aguene said.
He added that while a few Igbo individuals may serve as vice-chairmen, this representation is minimal and does not reflect the community’s role in Lagos’ development.
Aguene also voiced broader frustrations, pointing to widespread voter apathy, economic hardship, and elitist governance, arguing that true democracy—based on equity, fairness, and justice—is lacking in Nigeria.
“Governance in Nigeria is just for the few while many Nigerians are suffering. Even essential workers like journalists and security officers are struggling to provide for their families. The situation is terrible,” he said.
Igbokwe Responds: “Totally False and Misleading”
In response, Joe Igbokwe refuted Aguene’s claims, describing them as “totally false and misleading.” The APC leader, who voted in the election, stated that he saw no signs of voter suppression at his polling unit and dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“I did not witness any form of voter discrimination where I voted,” Igbokwe said, urging stakeholders not to politicize ethnic sentiments, especially in a diverse city like Lagos.
This exchange has once again sparked conversations about inclusion, representation, and ethnic politics in Lagos State—particularly as it relates to the Igbo community, one of the most economically active groups in the region.
