APC Directs Lagos Council Chairmen to Reside in LGAs

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has issued a firm directive that all elected local government chairmen and their deputies must henceforth reside within the local government areas they serve. The party warned that severe disciplinary measures would be taken against any council official who fails to comply with this order.

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the State Chairman of the APC, delivered this message during a special stakeholders’ engagement meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Ojelabi emphasized that the party would not tolerate absentee leadership, stressing that council officials must be fully present and accountable to the communities they govern. “No council chairman should reside outside the local government. They must live among the people they serve. Any report of non-compliance will attract sanctions,” he said.

The meeting, held at the Lagos State House in Marina, was organized by Governor Sanwo-Olu as part of efforts to reinforce party discipline and promote good governance at the grassroots level. The governor used the platform to present official party flags to the 57 APC chairmanship candidates and their running mates ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu charged the council chairmen to work closely with their vice chairmen and carry them along in the administration of local government affairs. He also cautioned against internal divisions, urging all candidates to campaign as united representatives of the APC rather than as members of splinter caucuses within the party.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further reminded party leaders that political success must be earned at the grassroots. “Every election is local. Don’t be complacent or over-confident. Even though we are in control at the federal, state, and local levels, we must not take voters for granted. Go out and work,” he advised.

He also highlighted the political opportunity given to Lagos by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: “President Tinubu has entrusted Lagos with great responsibilities. We must continue to safeguard his political base and ensure that the APC remains strong and united.”

The event also featured a brief celebration of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 60th birthday, adding a personal touch to the political gathering.

The governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, echoed the call for grassroots engagement. She urged women across Lagos to participate actively in the elections and cast their votes for APC candidates. “The power of a woman lies in her voice. Use your voice to shape the future of our state and our nation,” she said.

In her own remarks, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, appealed to party members to work together towards electoral victory. She encouraged reconciliation between candidates and other aspirants, emphasizing that unity would strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

Elder statesman and Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, advised aspiring council officials to resist the temptation of corruption and greed. He urged them to follow the example of visionary leaders such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Governor Lateef Jakande, President Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu—leaders known for their integrity and dedication to public service.

The gathering was attended by a host of prominent APC stakeholders and political figures, including the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Hundeyin Salu; Chief Rabiu Oluwa; Prince Murphy Adetoro; Olorunfunmi Basorun; Otunba Femi Pedro; Senator Idiat Adebule; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Alhaji Mutiu Are; Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Oyinlomo Danmole; Bimpe Adesola; Olawale Oshun; Moruf Akinderu Fatai; Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Senator Tony Adefuye; Joe Igbokwe; Demola Sodiq; Ayodele Adewale; Lateef Ibirogba; Abiodun Mafe; Muritala Seriki; and Rasaq Ajala.

The event reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to discipline, grassroots development, and cohesive party leadership in Lagos State.