Lagos LG Poll: Don’t Take Victory for Granted, Sanwo-Olu Tells APC Candidates

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship and councillorship candidates not to take the upcoming July 12 local government elections for granted.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ parley held at the State House, Marina, on Tuesday, where he presented the APC flag to all candidates, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for hard work to maintain the party’s dominance across the state.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to party leaders and loyalists, calling for unity and collective support for the party’s success at the polls.

“We are here because our father and leader, President Bola Tinubu, asked me to thank you all for keeping his political base strong,” the governor said.

“We must put in the work, validate our strength in Lagos, and prove that APC remains the party of choice. Knock on every door and ask for votes.

“Every election is local—don’t assume anything. Go out there, engage with the people, connect with them. Let the electorate see and feel those they are voting for.”

Sanwo-Olu stressed that despite internal differences during the primaries, the party stands united and urged all members to respect the party’s decisions.

“There will always be disagreements where many aspire for the same position, but we’ve all resolved to stay together. The party’s decision must be seen as final,” he said.

“Our house must remain united. We are happy, we are focused, and we must not take the people for granted. We want what’s best for Lagos at all times.”

He also cautioned candidates against favoritism and internal divisions, urging them to carry everyone along and remain fair in their dealings.

Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, commended party stakeholders for their steadfast support and advised APC candidates to earn the respect of the people through good governance.

“This journey you’re about to embark on, some of us have taken it before. Some earned praise, others condemnation,” he said.

“Serve the people well, regardless of your position. If you do good work, people will notice. Don’t chase personal gain—chase a good name. In just one year, you can make a real difference.

“Do things that uplift the people and help the APC grow stronger at the grassroots.”

Olusi also encouraged candidates to emulate great leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for their efforts in reconciling aggrieved members, assuring that the candidates would build on the strength of the governor’s performance to secure victory.

“Let’s work together and make our father, the President, proud on July 12,” he urged. “Candidates should reach out to their former opponents. We must all move forward as one.”

Ojelabi also directed that elected officials must live within their respective local government areas, warning that any chairman or councillor found residing elsewhere would face sanctions.

He emphasized the critical role of local councils in delivering dividends of democracy in key areas like education, healthcare, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructure.

He called on market leaders, artisans, professional groups, ethnic associations, religious bodies, and all stakeholders in the state to throw their weight behind APC candidates.

Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lasbat Meranda, thanked party loyalists for their strong turnout and urged everyone to set aside grievances and focus on the party’s victory.

“Let’s put our differences behind us and work as one,” she said, while calling on women to lead voter mobilization efforts.

Also speaking, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, charged women to use their influence and voice to rally support for the APC.

“Let’s not allow APC to be embarrassed. We must mobilise and vote massively for our party,” she said. “Our votes are our power—to improve our lives and shape a better future.”

Punch

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