Bariga Youth Coalition Backs Alli-Balogun, Condemns Anti-Party Campaigns in Somolu II

Bariga Youth Coalition Backs Alli-Balogun, Condemns Anti-Party Campaigns in Somolu II

By Naomi Onome

LAGOS, June 2, 2026 –

The Coalition of Bariga Youth and Progressive Leaders has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly election, Hon. Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun, while condemning what it described as divisive campaigns and misinformation aimed at undermining his candidacy.

Speaking at a press conference attended by party members, community stakeholders, youth representatives, and political observers, the coalition maintained that Alli-Balogun’s emergence as the party’s candidate followed a legitimate and transparent democratic process during the APC primary election held on May 20, 2026.

According to the group, recent attempts by certain political actors to challenge the outcome of the primary and promote alternative narratives amount to anti-party activities capable of threatening the unity and stability of the party ahead of future elections.

The coalition expressed concern over what it called efforts by a few disgruntled individuals to discredit the APC candidate through sponsored misinformation and campaigns designed to create division within the party. It argued that such actions undermine the principles of internal democracy and disregard the collective decision of party members across the constituency.

The youth leaders described Alli-Balogun as a grassroots politician with a strong connection to the people, citing his years of community service, empowerment programmes, and commitment to progressive governance as factors that have earned him widespread support within Somolu Constituency II.

They warned that continued attacks on the APC candidate could weaken the party’s electoral prospects, create unnecessary divisions among loyal members, and shift attention away from the broader objective of securing victory for the party.

The coalition also questioned the motives behind ongoing efforts to challenge the outcome of the primary election, insisting that no individual ambition should supersede the collective interest of the party and the democratic choice expressed by members during the exercise.

While reaffirming its loyalty to the APC leadership, the group appealed to party elders, including Hon. Kolade Alabi and Senator Anthony Adefuye, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), to intervene in order to preserve unity, discipline, and cohesion within the party.

According to the coalition, the involvement of senior stakeholders is necessary to prevent further tensions and ensure that party members remain focused on strengthening the APC’s position and advancing its developmental agenda in Somolu Constituency II.

The group further described Alli-Balogun as a symbol of continuity, competence, and inclusive leadership, noting that his loyalty to the party and longstanding engagement with constituents make him well-positioned to represent the constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Reaffirming its position, the Coalition of Bariga Youth and Progressive Leaders rejected any attempt to overturn the outcome of the APC primary election and pledged continued support for Alli-Balogun’s candidacy. The coalition also vowed to mobilise support for him across all wards and communities within the constituency.

The group concluded by urging party members, women groups, youths, community leaders, and supporters to remain united, resist divisive tendencies, and work collectively towards ensuring electoral success for the APC in Somolu Constituency II.