By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:

The organizing committee for the APC Southwest Zone, led by Dr. Lateef Ibirogba (PhD), who serves as both the Organizing Secretary and the Chairman for the day, convened a reconciliation meeting with the chairmanship and councilorship aspirants from the Ikorodu Division of the APC.

The attendees included elected party officials such as Hon. Prince Abdullateef Ladega and his Vice, Hon. Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba, from Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA); Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju (SKO), FCA, FCTI, from Ikorodu-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), accompanied by his Vice, Hon. Adesegun Aluko; Hon. Motunrayo Alogba and her Vice from Ijede LCDA, Hon. Apanishile and vice from Ikorodu-North among others. 

This meeting took place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the residence of Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, the Ikorodu Divisional APEX Leader and a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, located in Solomade Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. 

The objective of the meeting was to communicate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message in preparation for the forthcoming 2025 Local Government elections and the 2027 Presidential elections. 

Several political dignitaries were present to observe and contribute solutions toward fostering peaceful coexistence within the party. 

The agenda focused on developing a cohesive strategy for the Southwest APC, which included identifying potential party flag bearers and establishing methodologies for maintaining unity within the ruling party of Nigeria. 

To ensure widespread participation and representation from all areas of Lagos State, this meeting is strategically planned to take place across the three senatorial districts: Lagos-West, Lagos-East, and Lagos-Central. Each senatorial district will be subdivided into two groups for the visits. 

During an interactive segment, Aarebirin Hon. (Dr.) Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the National Chairman of the All Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC) and Vice Chairperson of Ikorodu LGA, addressed the assembly, stating that the supremacy of the Party for the Chairmanship aspirants is non-negotiable. She emphasized that they collectively support the Party’s decisions, expressing their dedication to the ruling Party. “You can count on us,” she asserted.

Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of local politics and urged consideration for gender equity in religious and political matters. Drawing on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership philosophy that “everybody matters,” she implored Party leaders to pay attention to gender and religious diversity in their considerations.

In another interactive discussion, Comrade Japhet Odesanya, a former aspirant for the Chairmanship position in Ikorodu LGA, voiced concerns on behalf of Class 25 (the Chairmanship aspirants), advocating for the essential need for election funding.

He noted that, despite the Party’s stated policy of non-refundable payments, there should be a reconsideration of refunding the application fees to the aspirants. “He who has come to equity must come with clean hands,” he remarked.

Additionally, Comrade Odesanya evaluated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-year tenure in office, praising the administration’s focus on nation-building, capacity enhancement, infrastructure development in electricity, education, and the push for financial autonomy alongside improved security measures.

Moreover, a former Chairmanship aspirant from Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Shakiru Seidu (MagaXpression), discussed the ongoing construction of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo.

Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo (OGA), a member of the House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, assured the attendees of progress regarding the project.

Hon. Bola Daramola, Councillor for Ward C4 in Ikorodu-North LCDA and a former Councillorship aspirant, addressed the recent passing of Mrs. Kikelomo Awobajo,

advocating for compensation for the bereaved family, while others shared their concerns without straying from party loyalty.

In an interview, Dr. Lateef Ibirogba, Chairman of the organizing committee for APC Southwest Zone and representative of the Lagos East Senatorial District, explained that the process for the 2025 Lagos State Local Government Election commenced with the distribution of candidacy forms, followed by the screening of aspirants, primary elections, and the resolution of any disputes that may arise thereafter.

He emphasized the necessity for aspirants to demonstrate their competence and vibrancy to gain acceptance within the Party. He reiterated the Party’s regulations, which state that form payments are non-refundable. “The Party Chairman holds the decision-making authority,” he concluded.

If money is to be refunded, there will be multiple aspirants in the next dispensation as a result of the refund of my candidacy form payment.  requires processes, was stated to enlighten the aspirants.

After identifying the APC flag bearers, the preparation for reconciliation begins; This is a key aspect of this visitation, aimed at preparing for the upcoming 2025 local government elections and the 2027 presidential elections.

Because of the timing, this visitation meeting aims to engage with the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within the Lagos East Senatorial District, which includes Ikorodu, Epe, Kosofe, Somolu, Ibeju-Lekki, and others.

Dr. Ibirogba emphasised why everyone must unite as one cohesive household to ensure the achievement of progressive results in the upcoming Local Government Election on July 12, 2025, and to strategically plan for the success of the 2027 Presidential Election.

Reaching out to the Ikorodu division, which consist Ikorodu LGA, Ikorodu-West LCDA, Ikorodu-North LCDA, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, and Imota LCDA, Dr. Ibirogba said they have observed that the Ikorodu Divisional leaders has actively been engaged in following the primary election. “They have convened all the flag bearers and aspirants to address their issues amicably”, aiming to unify their efforts for a successful election.  election is not won alone; everyone is important when it comes to the electoral process. “Everyone will work together as one family to achieve the ruling party’s victorious outcome,” he said.

Thanked the aspirants for expressing their concerns, as it demonstrates their continued belief in the ruling party. The party is committed to listening and addressing their issues, which is why they have voiced their demands. The party will carefully consider these requests to ensure that the members remain satisfied and engaged.

Assures the masses, that because of the APC Party structures,  “The Ruling Party are going to win in all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State,” Dr. Lateef Ibirogba, Chairman and Secretary of the APC Southwest Organizing Committee confidently pronounced.

The event was successful and productive.

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