By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos Advocacy Group has demanded swift disciplinary action against the member representing Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Dr.) Samuel Adesola Adedayo, over allegations of misrepresentation and diversion of constituency projects.
The group made the demand in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, 23 March, 2026 while expressing concern over reports that the lawmaker sponsored a Bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State, his hometown, instead of addressing pressing developmental needs within Apapa Federal Constituency, which he represents.
According to the non-partisan civic organisation, the development raises serious questions about adherence to the constitutional duty of representation, noting that elected officials are expected to promote the welfare and interests of the people who elected them.
“These concerns stem from credible reports indicating that the lawmaker sponsored a bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State his hometown rather than prioritising critical developmental needs within Apapa Federal Constituency, the people who elected him into office,” the statement read.
The group stressed that the primary responsibility of any legislator in a constitutional democracy is to advocate for the development and well-being of constituents, warning that actions suggesting otherwise undermine public trust and democratic legitimacy.
“In a constitutional democracy such as Nigeria, elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility to advocate for the welfare, development, and collective interests of their constituents. This duty is fundamental not optional and forms the very basis of democratic legitimacy,” the group stated.
Furthermore, the organisation noted that the reported siting of a federal healthcare facility outside the constituency has generated concern among residents and stakeholders, particularly as Apapa, a densely populated and economically strategic hub in Lagos State, continues to face challenges in healthcare infrastructure.
“The decision to facilitate such a project outside its boundaries raises serious ethical and governance questions. It is therefore imperative to ask: whose interests are being served?” the statement added.
Beyond the project controversy, the group also expressed concern over allegations involving the diversion of palliative materials reportedly allocated to Apapa residents, including rice and fertilisers meant to cushion economic hardship.
“Claims that substantial quantities of rice and fertilisers intended for Apapa constituents were either inadequately distributed or not accounted for, if established, would amount to a grave breach of public trust and accountability,” the group said.
In addition, the organisation raised concerns over alleged intimidation, threats and disregard for party leadership and internal democratic structures, warning that such conduct undermines discipline within the All Progressives Congress.
“There are disturbing reports of intimidation, threats, and disregard for party leadership and internal democratic structures conduct which undermines the values and discipline expected within the All Progressives Congress,” the statement said.
Consequently, the group urged the Lagos State leadership of the APC, under the chairmanship of Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, to take immediate steps to address the matter in order to preserve party integrity and public confidence.
It called for “an independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the allegations,” and demanded that the lawmaker provide a formal and public explanation regarding the issues raised.
The group also insisted that any constituency-linked project should be redirected to Apapa Federal Constituency in line with the mandate of representation, adding that appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken if the allegations are substantiated.
LAG further acknowledged the role of party leaders in maintaining order within the party, including respected figures such as Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, noting that strong leadership remains essential to discipline and unity within the party structure.
The statement also noted increasing calls for recall by concerned constituents, describing the development as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction and loss of confidence.
“While recall is a constitutional process, its emergence in this context highlights the urgency for prompt institutional response,” the group said.
It concluded by urging party leaders, civil society organisations and oversight institutions to treat the matter with seriousness, stressing that democracy can only thrive where accountability is upheld.
“When elected representatives act in ways that appear to contradict the mandate of the people, silence is neither acceptable nor sustainable. The integrity of representation, the credibility of public office, and the trust of the electorate must be preserved at all times,” the statement added.
