As preparations intensify for the 12th of July local government elections in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged candidates and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work tirelessly to ensure sweeping victories across the 57 local councils.
As read in a press release signed by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the meeting marks a crucial step in what appears to be the APC’s final push to consolidate its political grip on the grassroots in Lagos. “This is as the ruling party seeks to retain all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the July 12 local council elections.” It read.
The gathering drew leaders of the party’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC), state executive members, lawmakers, party executives, campaign council officials, and chairmanship and council candidates.
As read in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, charging party faithfuls in his keynote speech, the Governor gave the charge on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement session at Lagos House, Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that electoral success requires grassroots mobilisation, urging the party’s machinery to embark on extensive campaigns and ensure that APC candidates are visible, accessible, and trusted by the electorate.
“Sanwo-Olu said: “Every election is local. Don’t take anything for granted. Go and engage, touch everyone who needs to be reached. Let people know and see the candidates they are voting for. Come out en masse, cast your votes, wait for them to count, and wait for the results to be announced. From our victory, let Lagosians reaffirm that APC remains the party of choice.” He charged
Sanwo-Olu also restated the party’s commitment to constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines as prescribed by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), assuring that the APC in Lagos would lead by example in promoting a peaceful and transparent election.
The governor conveyed the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said had urged Lagos APC to deliver a resounding victory in the upcoming polls to solidify the party’s dominance and credibility in its home state.
In his remarks, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for organizing the interface, saying it demonstrated leadership and a willingness to unite the party ahead of the elections. He called for solidarity and urged members to rally behind the officially recognised candidates.
“Let’s work together as one family. Our leader is now the President of Nigeria, and we must make him proud on July 12 by delivering total victory at the polls.” Said the Governor.
Also lending his voice, GAC Leader Prince Tajudeen Olusi advised candidates to emulate the leadership legacies of both President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu. “Don’t chase riches, be more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.” He warned.
Also speaking, the Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Tunde Balogun, who was represented by Hon. Razak Ajala called for reconciliation among aggrieved aspirants, stressing that a united front was key to a successful election.
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also addressed the gathering, urging women within the party to become more active in mobilising support and contributing to the development of their local communities.
Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, echoed the call for unity. “Let us put our grudges behind and come out to work for the party,” she said.
