Sanwo – Olu To APC Chairmanship Candidates: Use July 12 Council Elections To Show Strength -

Wale Jagun

Gov. Babajide Sanwo – Olu presenting Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), Chairmanship candidate, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and his running mate, Barr. Ade Ayeni wt h the APC fla at the State House, Marina on Tuesday.

The Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged Chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), to use council poll slated for Saturday, July 12, to show their electoral values.

He presented them with the party’s flag at an event which held at the State House, Marina, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Sanwo-olu, who appreciated party leaders and loyalists on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, called for unity and support for party’s candidates in the polls.

“We are here because our father and leader, President Bola Tinubu, has asked me to come and thank all for holding his base very well.We must work the way we ought to do it, showcase and validate our strength in Lagos, and ensure that APC is a party to be proud of. Knock all doors and seek votes.

“Every election is local, don’t take anything for granted. Go and work, engage with the people, touch the people, let the people see those they want to vote for,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to the governor, the party is united, irrespective of different political affiliations and outcomes of the primaries.

L-R, Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), APC Chairmanship candidate, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Ameen Olawale Ibrahim (Apanisile), Chairmanship candidate, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Chairmanship candidate, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Chairmanship candidate, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Sunday Benson, Chairmanship candidate, Imota LCDA and Prince Adedayo Ladega, Chairmanship candidate, Ikorodu LG, at the State House, Marina, Lagos on Tuesday.

Sanwo-Olu, who noted that there would always be issues when so many people were vying for positions, urged all aggrieved to take the party decision as supreme.

“We have all resolved to come together. We should take the decision of the party supreme. Our house must stand united. We are happy, we are united. We must work together. We are a party that do not take people for granted and that wants the best for our people at all time,” he said.

He urged candidates not to disappoint the party, but be fair to all interests, also cautioned against segregation and caucus.

Chairman, Governance Advisory Council, Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, also speaking, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support, and urged APC candidates to earn a good name when they get to the office.

“This journey you are about to embark upon, some of us have travelled it. Some travelled it and get praised while some others are condemned for performing poorly.

“You must serve the people well, whatever position you have, if you do well people will see it. Don’t pursue your purse, pursue a good name.

“In one year, you can do remarkable things for people. Do things to elevate and sell APC more to the people at the grassroots. Do it well,” Olusi said.

Gov. Sanwo – Olu presenting APC flag to Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Chairmanship candidate, Ijede LCDA and her running mate, Hon. Kareem Femi Kabir. APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi (left)

The elder statesman urged the party’s candidates to follow in the footsteps of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other leaders.

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who appreciated the roles played by party leadership in reconciling all aggrieved members, said that APC candidates would ride on the shoulder of the governor to emerge winners.

“I want to enjoin you, let us work together and make our father, the President proud in this election come July 12.

“The candidates should reach out to those who contested the party ticket with them,” he said.

He urged each elected officials to reside within their respective council areas, adding that the party would sanction any chairman or councillor who resided outside his or her local government.

He said that the role of council chairman remained crucial in getting the dividends of democracy to the people in education, health, youth empowerment, security and infrastructure.

Ojelabi urged market leaders, artisans, professional groups, ethnic nationalities, religious groups and other stakeholders in the state to cast their votes in support of APC candidates.

Turn of Hon. Ameen Olawale Ibrahim (Apanisile), Chairmanship candidate, Ikorodu North LCDA and his running mate, Hon. Mathew Adesanya to receive the APC flag from the governor

The Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mrs Lasbat Meranda, who appreciated party’s loyalists for impressive turnout, said, “Let us put our grudges behind and work for the party’s victory.”

She, however, urged women to mobilise votes for the APC.

Also the governor’s wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in her remarks also charged all women in the state to rally support for party’s candidates.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu said: “Don’t allow APC to be put to shame. Let us mobilise votes for the APC. We must use our votes to better our lot and improve our condition, in the country.”