…Says ‘Our chapter should be reference point’
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state to ensure that the chapter becomes the reference point in the country.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the state party congress held at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, hailed the “peaceful, orderly and outstanding” event.
Cornelius Ojelabi, chairman of the APC in Lagos State, was re-elected by 1,705 delegates at the state congress.
Also re-elected by consensus and affirmation were Moshood Mayegun (deputy chairman), Adeola Jokomba (secretary), Seye Oladejo (publicity secretary), Ayodele Adewale (organising secretary), Muritala Seriki (youth leader), Yesiru Karamo (assistant publicity secretary), Azizat Mariam (assistant secretary), and Folashade Bakare (legal adviser).
An excited Ojelabi, who had served as council chairman, federal legislator and commissioner, thanked the leaders and delegates, promised to always live up to expectation.
With the conclusion of the state congress, the chapter instantly began grassroots mobilisation ahead of next year’s poll.
The governor, his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to Government, Abimbola Salu- Hundeyin; Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members were in one accord with the delegates from the pre-existing 20 local government for the exercise conducted by the Congress Committee, led by Stella Okotietie.
At the congress were GAC Leader, Oluyole Olusi; former governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former deputy governor, Abiodun Ogunleye; Muyiwa Sosanya, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Senators Tony Adefuye, Adeseye Ogunlewe, Gbenga Ashafa, Ganiyu Solomon, Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Musiliu Obanikoro.
Other at the event were Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mutiu Are, National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, and Tawakalitu Orelope-Adefulire.
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Others were Otun Iyalode of Lagos, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Yetubde Arobieke, Jide Adediran, and State Congress Technical Committee members – Olayinka Oladunjoye, Oyinlomo Danmole, Yakubu Balogun, Yinka Jeje, K.K. Elesin, Okeowo Ayodele, and Sesan Daini, former Igbogbo-Bayeku Council chairman.
Describing the congress as a wonderful and outstanding congress, Sanwo-Olu, who congratulated Ojelabi and his team, urged them to take Lagos APC to a level where it will become a reference point.
He adminised the chairman to ensure there is a room for all members of the party.
Noting that Lagos APC has sustained its standard as the leader, the governor who affirmed the doctrine of party supremacy said the chapter has a single common purpose to make its strucure the best and second to none.
Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for offering an untiring leadership to Lagos APC and country, and particularly the advantage of political tutelage under him.
He also thanked the party executives, elders and congress committees who have worked for democracy to grow and APC, the largest party in Africa, to do better.
Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos APC leaders have demonstrated a sense of purpose and unity which led to peaceful ward, local government and state congresses.
He also said that the chapter had demonstrated that it is a party of discipline, finess, purpose, equity and inclusivity.
Emphasising that the party executives and the entire members have a lot of work to do, he urged them to brace up for the 2027 electoral challenge.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We can tell the entire nation that the APC in Lagos is about uncommon standards. We have shown that the party structure in Lagos is next to none in the entire country.
“We have demonstrated that the party is supreme. We have shown everybody that for us in Lagos, we are strengthened by unity of purpose.
“We have demonstrated here that we have a single and common purpose to ensure that the party formation, the party structure in our state, is the best and is next to none.”
Ojelabi thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him, adding that he would not let them down.
He said the congress attested to the unity, strength and enduring legacy of the party.
Ojelabi thanked President Tinubu, who he described as a visionary leader and pillar of democracy, who always inspire members by his steadfastness and commitment to democracy and good governance.
The chairman applauded Sanwo-Olu for his inspiring and exemplary leadership, noting that it serves as inspiration for the party executives to work harder.
He also thanked the deputy governor for his commitment to the infrastructural renewal of Lagos, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and other lawmakers for their tireless efforts and promotion of the values the party stands for.
Ojelabi praised the GAC for their wisdom and guidance, the members of the State Executive Council under Sanwo-Olu for hardwork and local government structures for their efforts at grassroots mobilisation
He showered encomium on the leaders of Arewa, Igbo, Southsouth and other ethnic groups in Lagos for their collaboration and steadfastness.
In these view, these structures that have done the party proud are the souls of the party.
Reflecting on the journey of the last four years, Ojelabi said the chapter had been strengthened, adding that it is not only a party, but a movement.
Ahead of 2027 polls, he urged members to showcase the unity, strength and cohesion of the fold, bond together, expand and become entrenched at the grassroots.
He promised that Lagos APC will sustain its push for youth and women inclusion as demonstrated by the selection of the youngest woman as the Assistant Women Leader.
He urged the young party faithful to take advantage of the opportunities and join their elders in building a party that would bequeth a worthy legacy worthy of pride to future generations.
Okotete announced the consensus list of State Executive Committee members, which was endorsed by delegates through voice vote.
She described Lagos as the ‘heartbeat of progressive politics and the proud home of President Tinubu.
She said said Lagos id the foundation of progressive ideology, discipline, inclusion, strategic leadership and people-focused governance.
She added: “The strength of Lagos is a vital part of our party. It is vital to the strength of our party nationwide.
“According to the Constitution of our party, Article 20, there are approved guidelines for the state congress which today I am here to conduct.
“The congress must be democratic, transparent and in strict compliance with the Constitution of our party. When consensus is adopted, it must follow due process as described.
“This congress is not a contest of enemies. It is a contest of progressive family members united by ideology.”
Oketete reminded aspirants and delegates that qualification to contest and vote was guided by the provisions of the Constitution.
She said only registered members who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, including payment of prescribed fees and compliance with eligibility conditions, are qualified to participate.
Okotete added: “The processes are binding on all members and everyone must collectively respect the outcome.
“Our mandate is clear. It is to ensure a peaceful, credible and orderly congress that reflects the unity and maturity of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.
“I urge our aspirants today to demonstrate sportsmanship and our delegates to vote with conscience and commitment to the continued growth of APC in Lagos State.”
Okotete said leadership in the party is service and unity remains its greatest strength.
“Let this congress further consolidate our progressive mantra and strengthen our structure in support of the renewal agenda of our President.”
