By Merit Newspaper Political Desk
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the chairmanship of Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA) inches closer, an unexpected wave of support is sweeping across the constituency — and its name is Azeez Adegoke Rasaki.
Son of the respected former military governor of Lagos State, Colonel Raji Rasaki (Psc, Fss), Azeez Rasaki appears to have become the people’s candidate, long before the party’s delegates have cast a single vote.
An exclusive online opinion sampling conducted by Merit Newspaper among both indigenous and non-indigenous residents of Iru/VICTORIA ISLAND LCDA revealed a striking trend: over 75% of respondents pledged their support for Rasaki, citing his pedigree, charisma, and promise of inclusive development.
“We stand with Rasaki — not because of his name, but because of his heart and his plan,” said Kabir Mohammed, a prominent grassroots mobilizer and APC loyalist in the LCDA. “Among all the aspirants, he is the only one who speaks with clarity, acts with purpose, and commands the respect of both the young and the old. He is not a politician of promises; he is a leader with purpose.”
In a politically charged atmosphere often shaped by ethnicity and loyalty, Azeez Rasaki’s appeal seems to transcend tribal and cultural lines.
“I’m Igbo, not Yoruba, and I don’t care about tribal sentiments when it comes to leadership,” said a popular entrepreneur who goes by Ifeanyi Point on social media. “Rasaki is not tribalistic. He treats everyone with fairness. If we want development, we must rise above ethnic politics and vote for people like him.”
Others were more spiritual in their endorsement. Mrs. Balogun Ibijoke, a market leader and elder in the community, simply said: “The Lord has ordained you, my darling Rasaki. May your footsteps be directed to that office.”
The momentum has been so intense that some residents already speak of Rasaki as if the party ticket is a done deal — despite the fact that the APC leadership in the LCDA is yet to make any official declaration.
“This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement,” noted Ayodele John, a youth leader in the Okesuna area. “People are tired of political redundancy. Rasaki is fresh blood. He is accessible, accountable, and understands the terrain. If APC gives him the ticket, the opposition may as well pack up.”
Yet, behind the buzz and overwhelming grassroots support lies a political reality that many observers are cautious about. The selection of the party’s flagbearer ultimately lies in the hands of the APC’s local executive council — a body known for internal lobbying, consensus politics, and sometimes, unpredictable outcomes.
Princess Rasheedat Abiodun Adu, the current Executive Chairman of the LCDA, has not publicly declared her support for any aspirant, although there are unconfirmed reports that consultations are ongoing behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, other contenders in the race — many of whom were unavailable for comment — are said to be scrambling to catch up with Rasaki’s swelling popularity.
The question now remains: will the APC leadership align with the people’s voice, or will internal party calculations override the grassroots’ yearning?
As the primary draws near, one thing is clear — the streets of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA are echoing a singular name with growing intensity: Azeez Adegoke Rasaki.
