By Lukman Olabiyi
As the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State draw near, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and other key figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have charged party members and candidates to remain steadfast and united in their quest for victory.
The APC campaign was officially launched on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos, with 57 chairmanship candidates for 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, along with 377 councillorship hopefuls receiving the party’s flags.
Coordinated by the State Chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the event served as a rallying point for party leaders to preach unity, encourage grassroots mobilisation, and appeal for reconciliation among aggrieved aspirants.
Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu at the launch was the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who assured the candidates of the governor’s unwavering support.
“The love I have for this party is unquantifiable. This launch marks the beginning of hard work and commitment. We must remain true to our progressive ideals. We’re not only contesting to win elections but also to uplift lives and uphold the legacy of our President,” she said.
House Speaker Obasa emphasised the supremacy of party decisions and advised disgruntled aspirants to remain patient and committed to the party’s collective goal.
“Politics is not about hatred. Support the party’s candidates, and remember, your time may come. Whatever you do now could affect your future chances.
“This election is not just about 2025; it sets the tone for 2027. We must send a strong signal by winning convincingly and ensuring Asiwaju returns to the presidency,” he warned.
Pastor Ojelabi reminded candidates of their responsibility to unite the party and deliver results.
“Out of 475 aspirants, only 57 secured tickets. Reach out to your fellow aspirants. Reconciliation is key. You’ve been chosen to contribute to Lagos’ development, replicating the good work of our President and Governor at the grassroots,” he said.
He also stressed accountability, stating: “It won’t be business as usual. Your blueprint will determine your eligibility for a second term. Your vice-chairman is not a spare tyre; a proper handover is essential if you must travel.”
Dr Tajudeen Olusi, leader of the APC’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC), also lent his voice to the reconciliation call, recounting his own early days in politics as a councillor in 1962.
“This is your opportunity, especially for the youth. Do the work diligently and make life easier for our people. The local government is closest to the grassroots — take it seriously,” he said.
Chairman of the Campaign Council, Babatunde Balogun, urged the Local Organising Committees (LOCs) in each council area to begin aggressive ward-level mobilisation.
“This is a grassroots election. The LOC must work with all relevant groups, including ethnic communities. Campaigns must be vigorous but must end by June 9,” he said, adding that each council’s LOC will be co-chaired by the APC LGA chairman and council chairman.