Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje has debunked allegations of tribalism and diatribe leveled at him by Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s media team.
Mr Sanwo-Olu is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Lagos State.
Mr Agbaje in a statement by his media team on Friday expressed shock at being tagged as frequently inflamming “passion by pandering to ethnic issues anytime he is on the ballot.”
“For the avoidance of any doubt, we wish to reiterate that the few times Agbaje made reference to tribe or ethnicity were in response to issues of injustice and propaganda which the ruling party is well known for.
“The first was shortly before the 2015 general election when there was a royal proclamation to drown his supporters in the lagoon if they dare vote for him.
“Like Nigeria’s electoral umpire, INEC that continues to retain the names of dead persons in its register, the APC, Lagos State had only recently claimed that it had in its cabinet, some non-indigenes currently serving in the government of Governor Akinwumi Ambode.
“This was another lie Agbaje punctured with his response which was merely to clarify and put things in proper perspective before the public is misled. After all, the last known non-indigene commissioner was Ben Akabueze who served under Babatunde Fashola.
“So, the claim about always invoking and flying the non-indigene flag to create disaffection is not only unfounded, but a smear campaign to tarnish Agbaje’s image and deplete his growing support base across the state.
“Look around Lagos State and the deluge of posters everywhere in this season of politics, Agbaje is the only one among his peers who remain true to himself.
“Unlike Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other politicians posing with cultural attires of other Nigerian tribes, Agbaje sticks with his native Yoruba dress and English suit in order not to be misunderstood,” part of the statement read.
