The Igbo community in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency has thrown its weight behind Ayo Da-Silva, purchasing the All Progressives Congress, APC nomination form on his behalf in a move widely interpreted as a significant political endorsement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes weeks after Da-Silva defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, collapsing his political structure into the ruling party.
Observers say the gesture signals more than support for a party switch, reflecting deep-rooted trust and longstanding ties between the politician and the Igbo community in the constituency.
Amuwo Odofin, which includes areas such as FESTAC Town, Satellite Town, and Kirikiri, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Igbo residents in Lagos State, making the endorsement particularly consequential in local political calculations.
A representative of the community said the decision to purchase the nomination form was unanimous and deliberate.
“Ayo Da-Silva is not a stranger to us. He is a man we have walked with and who has stood with the Igbo people through every season,” the representative said. “We did not wait to be asked. This is a declaration of where we stand.”
Da-Silva’s relationship with the community dates back to his earlier political career. In 2011, he won the Amuwo Odofin federal constituency seat under the PDP, although the election was later annulled. Despite that setback, analysts note that his political influence in the area has remained intact over the years.
The politician is also a recipient of the revered Igbo chieftaincy title Nwane di Namba Ndigbo, a recognition reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare and advancement of the Igbo people.
His recent return to the APC, described by him as a “homecoming,” was attended by key political figures, including Musiliu Obanikoro, who projected that the move could reshape the political landscape of Amuwo Odofin in favour of the ruling party.
Political analysts say the Igbo community’s endorsement could prove decisive, given its influence as both a demographic and economic force within the constituency.
They argue that the development underscores a broader narrative of cross-ethnic political alignment, positioning Da-Silva as a candidate capable of bridging divides in a politically diverse area.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, the endorsement adds a new dimension to the contest in Amuwo Odofin, where community backing is often a critical determinant of electoral success.
