BARRISTER TUNDE OGALA (SAN) SHOULD LET INTEGRITY AND TRUTH REIGN OVER ELECTORAL TRAVERSTY*- Olushola Matthew

A concerned member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Olushola Matthew has admonished the party Lagos State Electoral Committee Chairman to allow integrity and truth prevail over and above the recent electoral heist in the state where unpopular candidates are imposed on party members. In a plea letter to Barr. Ogala (SAN) which was equally sent to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu among others Olushola Matthew wrote "with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern—not just as a citizen and stakeholder in the democratic process, but as one who has for many years admired " the SAN steadfast reputation as a man of impeccable integrity, legal brilliance, and political maturity. " Your public service and professional contributions over the years have projected you as a man of honour, one who values transparency, equity, and the sanctity of process. It is on this basis that many, myself included, welcomed your appointment as Chairman of the Lagos APC Electoral Committee with hope and high expectation" Matthew said. However, the just concluded APC primary elections in Lagos State have thrown up a deeply troubling narrative—one that, unfortunately, casts a shadow over your otherwise distinguished record. The reports and firsthand accounts of irregularities, manipulation, and brazen disregard for the voices of the grassroots have created a serious crisis of confidence in the process and in those who oversaw it. " While we commend your committee for ensuring that the mandate in Badagry Central was allowed to stand, we are compelled to ask: why was the same principle not extended to Olorunda and Badagry West LCDA? Why was Mr. Ade Balogun, who polled 18 out of 27 delegate votes, denied his clear mandate? Why was Mrs. Remmy, who secured 13 out of 25 votes, not acknowledged as the rightful winner?" he opined These are not isolated cases. Similar violations were reported in over 80% of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas across Lagos State. This pattern suggests a coordinated effort to override the democratic will of party members, replacing genuine outcomes with manufactured results. All of this occurred under your leadership. Barrister Ogala, seeing the verified delegates protesting, the videos circulating, the print media stories, and the public outcry for justice across multiple platforms and localities—how does this make you feel? Are you truly at ease with your conscience? Are you not concerned about what this entire episode is doing to your name, your integrity, and how people will remember your stature and legacy? " Barrister, this is not an accusation made lightly. It is a passionate and principled call to accountability. Your name has stood as a symbol of lawful conduct and ethical probity. But the silence surrounding these electoral injustices is fast eroding that hard-earned credibility" If indeed you were pressured or your role was undermined as widely speculated, now is the time to speak out. The truth, no matter how delayed, is always more honourable than silence in the face of injustice. The people deserve to know what truly transpired. Party members deserve honesty. And those whose mandates were stolen deserve justice. "You still have the power to right this wrong—not only by helping to restore the mandates unjustly taken but by publicly dissociating yourself from any act that compromises your integrity. This would be a bold and admirable step, and one that history will remember with favour" Mathew enjoined Barrister Ogala, I appeal to you: do not allow your legacy to be defined by this dark moment. Do not continue to lend your name to processes that contradict the very principles you've long represented. Reconsider future roles that might taint your name further, and take this opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to fairness and justice by coming clean and standing for truth. "The conscience of our democracy is at stake. And so is the soul of your reputation" the statement added