The Lagos State chapter of the Accord Party has said the acceptability of its candidate for the Surulere I Federal Constituency by-election will give the party an edge over other contestants.

The Lagos State Chairman of the party, Mr Dele Oladeji, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, said the party had begun preparations for the election.

“We are prepared for the Surulere constituency I bye-election. We will be having our primary elections soon. Our aspirants are ready for the election and the contest.

“We are very positive of winning.

“The acceptability of our candidate will give us the edge in this election coupled with the not-too-good performance of the ruling party at the central.

“We are very optimistic of winning this election if the poll will be free, peaceful and credible,” the chairman said.

He said the party recognised the weight of the ruling APC, especially the influence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, in the constituency.

Oladeji said that Accord would swing a surprise as the party had begun mobilisation.

He, however, said the chances of the party also depend on the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections.

INEC had fixed Feb. 3, 2024, for the conduct of re-run and bye-elections in nine states, including Surulere Federal Constituency I, House of Representatives.

The Surulere seat became vacant after President Bola Tinubu appointed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff.

Prior to his appointment, Gbajabiamila occupied the seat.

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