Lagos APC Leaders Charge Chairmanship Candidates to Deliver People-Oriented Governance Ahead of July 12 Polls

Lagos APC Leaders Charge Chairmanship Candidates to Deliver People-Oriented Governance Ahead of July 12 Polls

By Adeola Oluwole 

LAGOS — As preparations intensify for the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has presented flags to its Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship candidates across the state, with a strong call for effective and people-centered leadership at the grassroots.

The official flag-off of the campaign held at the APC secretariat in Acme, Ogba, was not just a ceremonial affair but a platform for party leaders to lay down a governance roadmap for the candidates. The event brought together high-ranking members of the party including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin), members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), party elders, and political heavyweights.

Addressing the gathering, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s support for all APC candidates and urged them to focus on impact rather than power. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from the visionary governance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos Governor, as well as the selfless leadership of late nationalist Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

"Winning elections should not be your only goal,” Sanwo-Olu said through Salu-Hundeyin. “Go out and make meaningful changes that improve the lives of our people."

APC State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, issued a stern but motivating challenge to the candidates. He emphasized that their performance would be assessed annually, not just by party structures or the Lagos State House of Assembly, but by the people they serve.

“Let me be clear—local government governance must not be business as usual,” Ojelabi warned. “Vice Chairmen are not spare tyres. Treat them as governance partners, or be ready to face consequences.”

He further urged candidates to implement development blueprints and take inspiration from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s infrastructural strides and President Tinubu’s progressive reforms.

Chairman of the GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, called on candidates to render selfless service, describing local government as the closest tier to the people. He recalled the era of Chief Awolowo, when political service was driven by a passion to uplift communities.

Also speaking at the gathering, Campaign Committee Chairman Babatunde Balogun tasked Local Organising Committees (LOCs) to commence ward-to-ward mobilisation immediately. “The battle is won or lost at the grassroots,” he said, urging aggressive community engagement.

Chairman of the Electoral and Appeal Committee, Barr. Babatunde Ogala, praised the peaceful conduct of the APC primaries, revealing that his committee resolved 50 appeals from 475 aspirants without a single court case.

“Democracy is maturing within our party,” Ogala said, encouraging party flag bearers to extend olive branches to their co-contestants and uphold electoral laws throughout the campaign season.

Among the dignitaries present were the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Deputy Governors Femi Pedro, Sarah Sosan, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji; former Senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Anthony Adefuye; and the GAC Secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are.

The July 12 elections will hold in 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, covering a total of 377 wards across Lagos State.

With the campaign season now formally open, the APC appears ready to defend its political stronghold — but party leaders have made it clear: performance, not just party loyalty, will define success at the grassroots.