A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Oladipo Babatunde Gabriel Okeyomi, has declared that party endorsement remains the decisive factor in candidate selection, despite recent support from groups backing his ambition for the Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Federal Constituency seat. In this interview with SAFARI NEWSFEED, Adebola Isimijola in Lagos, the APC chieftain speaks on 2027 race, says party decision not endorsements will determine candidacy. Okeyomi, popularly known as “Carry-Go,” also spoke on Lagos political dynamics, internal party unity, and his readiness for the coming elections.
You’ve just been endorsed by a group to represent the people of Ifako-Ijaiye/Ojokoro Federal Constituency. What does this endorsement mean to you at this stage of your political journey?
My belief is that if you are being endorsed by individuals or groups, it is a good thing. That is what politics is about. However, the main endorsement comes from the party. If your party does not endorse you, even if one million people endorse you, it won’t count—except you have another party to utilize that endorsement.
Party decision is supreme. Whatever is decided by the party, its leaders, and elders, you have to abide by it. If you don’t, it means you are ready to exit the party. But if you are not ready, you must listen to them.
We have seen examples. During Ambode’s time, many people endorsed him, but the party decided otherwise and chose Sanwo-Olu—and that decision stood.
Personally, I am happy about the endorsements and I appreciate those who endorsed me. It shows they love me. But what we are looking for is the main endorsement, which must come from the party. At this stage, we are still within the party; it is not yet a contest with other political parties. The party’s decision remains supreme. I am a member of APC. We founded this party together—from AD to AC, ACN, and now APC.
So, what you are saying is that the endorsement doesn’t really count; what counts is your political party giving you the mandate?
The endorsement only counts when I am given the ticket. If I already have the ticket and people endorse me, then it strengthens my position against candidates of other parties.
I am not bitter about the endorsements; I appreciate them because they show love. But the endorsement that truly counts at this stage is the one from the party.
What are you putting in place for the party to endorse your candidacy in the coming election?
A lot of things. As you know, you may have been hearing about me even though we are meeting for the first time. I have done a lot from empowering party members to supporting community members across the local government.
The only other person who can beat his chest in terms of empowerment, and who started not too long ago, is Jah Adewale. He has also been empowering people, just like I have. In the political history of Ojokoro and Ifako-Ijaiye, it has largely been me.
However, Jah is my brother, like a son to me. We are very close. He is a good and honorable person, and I pray he goes higher. He has tried a lot. But apart from Jah, no one else has done what we have done.
What is your understanding of the political dynamics in Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojokoro, and how do you intend to connect with the grassroots?
In terms of connecting with the grassroots, I am already a grassroots politician. As I speak to you now, I have thousands of followers who believe in me. Whatever I tell them, they follow.
So, I don’t need to connect with the grassroots. I am the grassroots. Everyone knows that Carry-Go is a grassroots mobilizer. Nobody can mobilize more than me in Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojokoro. The only person close is Jah, and he is also doing well.
Do you see yourself playing a bigger role in the coming election?
Yes, definitely. I am the Director of Interstate Grassroots Mobilization for Tinubu (GMT). I head all state coordinators they report to me, and I report to the Director-General.
Beyond that, I am a bona fide member of City Boy and of our party. If you go to Abuja and mention “Carry-Go” at the national secretariat, they will tell you they know me as a mobilizer.
What are the key issues that will shape the coming general elections?
In Lagos, we cannot deny the presence of opposition. They are well rooted. Anyone who says otherwise is not telling the truth.
They deceived us before, and we lost. We were lucky it was not a governorship election; otherwise, another party might have taken over Lagos.
We must not take things lightly. We need to work hard and ensure that tickets are given to candidates who can actually win elections. If the party presents candidates who cannot win, it will create serious problems.
The party leadership must unite all aspirants. We are one family; there is no need for internal conflict.
How prepared is your political party?
When we lost to the Labour Party in the presidential election in Lagos, it was because we were not prepared. People were working in isolation and relying on false assurances. Elections are not won on paper, they are won on the ground.
Leaders like Awolowo never worked on paper; they worked hard for victory. The party must bring everyone together and focus on winning.
By the grace of God, people like me and others are ready to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. I believe the election is winnable, but we must be realistic, we have strong opposition.
We need unity, proactive leadership, and continuous engagement within the party to avoid disaffection.
On Lagos politics, some are rooting for Obafemi Hamzat, while others want Ambode to return. What is your take?
On Ambode, I will be very clear, I cannot support him because of what he did to me. I have forgiven him, but I cannot support him. Even if he becomes governor, I will not work with him.
As for Hamzat, he is my friend, a very good person. I know him well, and we have a long-standing relationship.
That said, many people are contesting. Whoever the party presents, I will support, except Ambode.
Right now, my priority is working and supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the second term. That is very important to me. I am fully committed to that.
In one sentence, why should the people of Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojokoro trust you with their mandate?
Why shouldn’t they trust me? I am not going there to enrich myself, I already have what I need. I am going there to serve and uplift the people.
God has blessed me, and I want to use those blessings to impact the constituency. I understand their challenges, and I have the connections, both locally and internationally to address them.
I am a security expert, recognized not just in Nigeria but globally. I belong to several security organizations, and I am well respected in that field.
If given the mandate, I will represent them effectively and bring real development to Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojokoro.
You advised that APC should present its “best eleven.” Are you one of the best in Ifako-Ijaiye?
In Ifako-Ijaiye, I am not just among the best eleven, I AM NUMBER ONE. Thank you.
