“IT WAS A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION, NOT OF VICTORY DECLARATION, OR CELEBRATION – Foluke Daramola-Salako

Hon. Foluke Daramola-Salako, an aspirant in the ongoing House of Representatives primary election contest in Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I, has boldly debunked the rumour making the rounds, that she has emerged as the winner of the primary election, conducted by her party in the constituency on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

According to the thespian Nollywood actress, APC chieftain, and aspirant in the primary election, the appreciation message released by her media team, after the primary election was merely to thank the people of her constituency and party members for the show of love, support, and acceptance accorded to her political aspiration and project before, during, and after the primary election, and not a declaration, or celebration of victory, as being misconstrued by some members of the public.

In Foluke’s words:
“I can’t be so careless as to declare myself the winner of an election, when the party has not officially announced the winner, or the aspirant, that would become the party’s candidate in the general election.

In APC, when the party has not officially spoken on anything, whoever tries to assert himself, or herself, would be doing so in vain.

I have been in the political system of my party long enough to understand how things are culturally done.”

“Even if you know you won an election, you cannot on your own, declare yourself the winner, until the party officially speaks, or makes the declaration.

So, I would never be unreasonable enough to declare myself, when I understand the culture of my party.”

“The ‘Thank You Oshodi’ message, released by my media and publicity office, was simply an appreciation message to the people of my constituency and nothing more.”

When asked, if she remained optimistic about eventually being declared the winner of the primary election, she responded:

“I have done all the party required of me as an aspirant. I bought my form, filled and submitted it, and I was in Abuja for the screening exercise.

When it was time for the primary election, I also did all the party asked me to do as a loyal and obedient party woman, which I have always been for many years.

I have done my part; the rest is left to the party.

As a woman who has never asked for anything from the party and who is contesting an election for the first time, my wish is to become the official candidate of the party for the 2027 general elections. But I do not have the power to make anything happen against the operational culture and tradition of my party.”

Speaking further on women inclusion in politics, Foluke said:

“I sincerely hope that the 35% affirmative action and women inclusion advocacy project, championed by the wife of the President, would help to ensure that more women receive fair consideration on the final list of candidates across the country.

“Our mama, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been at the forefront of advocating for greater women inclusion in politics, governance, and leadership in Nigeria, and this has continued to motivate more women to actively participate in the nation’s democratic process.

I strongly believe Mama’s advocacy project, will not allow women to be pushed aside on the list of consideration as usual.”

She added:

“Though I genuinely desire to serve as a member of the House of Representatives to represent Oshodi/Isolo constituency 1 in the 11th National Assembly, it is not a do-or-die affair for me.

If I am fortunate enough to succeed, as the only female aspirant from the Yoruba movie and entertainment industry in the South West, I will appreciate God for it, and if otherwise, there will always be another opportunity in the future.”

Foluke, however, thanked all well-meaning Nigerians who, out of love and admiration for her, have continued to express goodwill towards her project.

“To those who thought I had won the primary election and have already been sending congratulatory messages, I sincerely appreciate you all for the love and support.

“Please, let it again be clearly understood that the message released by my media team, a few days ago, was purely an appreciation message to the people of Oshodi/Isolo, and not a declaration of victory, especially when the party has not officially spoken on who won and who should wait for another time.”

She concluded by saying:

“The Bible says, ‘Ask and it shall be given unto you.’ For 29 years, I have worked and danced on campaign stages and at rallies for the growth and progress of my party without asking for anything. But now, I am asking my party and Nigerians for support, and I believe that through the magnanimity of my party and the goodwill of Nigerians, I shall receive.”

“I am a woman, emotions run in me. Yes, I am interested in being the candidate of my party for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1, but I cannot be so politically desperate, or unwise enough to be celebrating publicly the victory of an election, I do not yet know the final outcome of the result, or that which my party has not officially declared.”