The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Akindipe Olalekan Olu, popularly known as “Lampholder,” has refuted allegations of document forgery and age falsification leveled against him by a political group within the council area.

Hon. Akindipe, while speaking with LAGOS EYE NEWS on Tuesday, described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated attempts to discredit his candidacy ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.

Recall that a group identified as Ajeromi-Ifelodun Progressive Associates had petitioned the APC, accusing Hon. Akindipe of falsifying his age and providing inconsistent information about his indigeneship.

“There is no inconsistency in any of the documents I submitted to the party,” Mr. Akindipe asserted. “The APC thoroughly screened all aspirants during the nomination process. I did not forge my birth certificate or any other documents. The claims are false and intended to mislead the public.”

He explained that all credentials submitted, including certificates from several professional courses, were genuine and verifiable.

Speaking emotionally about his journey, Akindipe stated, “I come from a humble background. I was raised in a family of six. My mother is a reverend, my father a pastor, and I am an evangelist. My father is 80 years old, and my mother is 76. I believe my emergence as the APC candidate is by divine arrangement. Since I became the flag bearer, some individuals have relentlessly tried to pull me down, but whom God has chosen, no man can discredit.”

Addressing the specific allegation of age falsification, he clarified: “I will be 45 years old on September 17. I meet the age requirement for this position. Our party’s constitution stipulates a minimum age of 30 for chairmanship aspirants. I am not underage.”

Hon. Akindipe also responded to claims that he defected from the PDP, stating that he has been a registered and active member of the APC since 2014.

“The first false claim was that I defected from the PDP. That is untrue. I joined APC in 2014 when the party was formed through a merger to rescue Nigeria. My APC membership card is available for public scrutiny,” he said.

He alleged that some individuals within the APC were behind the smear campaign, adding that their actions were rooted in class prejudice. “There are people within our party who believe that individuals from humble backgrounds like mine should not rise. But I call on them to work together with us to ensure victory for the APC in all 57 LGs and LCDAs in Lagos State.”

Urging voters to come out en masse for the election, Mr. Akindipe pledged to prioritize the welfare of residents if elected. “The people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun know me. I’m not a stranger here. When I was younger, they called me ‘Omo Iya Ologede’ (Son of the Plantain Seller). I will not fail my people. I will run an open-door administration where the dividends of democracy are felt by all,” he assured