•Party delegates opt for consensus for filling vacant positions as Ojelabi returns as party chairman
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has returned Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi as chairman for another term. The party re-elected Ojelabi on consensus during its congress held on Tuesday at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State cabinet joined party leaders and members across Lagos to participate in the activities leading to the election of new party leadership.
Also at the event included former Governor Akinwumi Ambode, former Senate Leader, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, ex-Senator Gbenga Ashafa, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi.
Thousands of delegates from all Local Government Areas gathered for the election of the new leadership that will steer the party’s affairs at the State level for another four years.
The rancour-free process was organised by a committee led by Mrs. Stella Okotete set up by the National Working Committee of the party in Abuja. Prof Usman Tsowa was the secretary of the congress committee.
Officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervised the process from screening of candidates to the election.
The party delegates, however, opted for a consensus for the election of the party executive members, making the process seamless and tension-free.
Most of the outgoing party executive members were returned, except seven members who had served two terms in their positions.
Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at the seamless conduct of the process, stressing that the rancour-free congress demonstrated the commitment of the party members to the peace and progress of the party.
The Governor said the outcome of the congress reflected the wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that APC was now more strengthened and united in Lagos to confront opposition parties ahead of the general elections.
Sanwo-Olu said: “In Lagos, APC has again demonstrated that we are a party founded on the principle of fairness, transparency, equity and inclusion, which have all been displayed in the process that led to the emergence of new party leadership today. Lagos remains the heartbeat of progressive politics and stronghold of the President.
“The return of Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and other members of the party executive is an affirmation that they have committed themselves to the growth of our party. By building a consensus among the entire delegates, we have once again established that party is supreme.
“To the returning members of the executive, renewal of your mandate comes with a new responsibility to further take the party forward and make it a national reference point. You must uphold the tenets of the party and sustain its accommodating spirit.”
Ojelabi said the re-election of the party executive members through consensus lent credence to the renewed unity and dedication of the party members to its progress.
Under his leadership, the re-elected chairman said APC in Lagos had widened its political base and recorded victories at polls. While noting that APC had become a movement in Lagos, Ojelabi urged party members to recommit themselves to build a stronger structure for the party.
He said: “As we celebrate today, we must also look ahead. The forthcoming elections present us with another opportunity to showcase the strength of our unity and the power of our collective resolve. This is a time for us to work harder, engage deeper, and ensure that APC continues to lead the way in delivering good governance and sustainable development to our people.
“I urge all party members to remain steadfast, focused, and united. The future of Lagos State and Nigeria depends on our dedication and our ability to work together. Let us strengthen our bonds, reach out to every community, and ensure that no voice is left unheard and no hand is left idle in this mission.”
Okotete said Article 20 of the APC constitution provided the guidelines for the conduct of the state congress, pointing out that the process must be democratic and transparent in strict compliance to the constitution.
She said the process reflected the foundation of progressive ideology, discipline, inclusion and leadership, adding: “Strength of the party in Lagos is vital to building the strength for the APC nationwide.”
Other returning party executive members include Deputy Chairman, Hon. Moshood Mayegun (Lagos Island); State Secretary, Hon. Ademola Jokomba (Ikorodu); Assistant Secretary, Mariam Animawun (Kosofe); Zonal Vice Chairman for West, Babatunde Aboyade (Alimosho); Zonal Vice Chairman for East, Hon. Olayinka Olusanya (Epe), and Zonal Vice Chairman for Central, Hon. Muideen Daramola (Eti Osa).
The State Legal Adviser is Folashade Bakare (Eti Osa), while Assistant Legal Adviser is Adebola Adewunmi-Ladigbolu (Ikeja). The State Treasurer is Hon. Abiodun Akhigbe (Kosofe); Assistant Treasurer, Chief Oludele Sonola (Ikeja); Financial Secretary, Adedoyin Banjo (Somolu); Assistant Financial Secretary, Ganiat Olaleye (Ifako Ijaiye); Organising Secretary, Ayodele Adewale (Amuwo Odofin) and Assistant Organising Secretary, Hon. Adebayo Sanwo-Olu (Lagos Island).
Publicity Secretary, Hon. Oluseye Oladejo (Mushin); Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon. Yesiru Karamo (Ibeju Lekki); Welfare Secretary, Hon. Adeniyi Kehinde (Epe); Assistant Welfare Secretary, Kafilat Pedro-Akanni (Agege); Auditor, Adedoyin Pikuda (Oshodi); Assistant Auditor, Shakiru Wusu (Surulere); Women Leader, Mrs. Iyabo Eletu (Lagos Island) and Assistant Women Leader, Damilola Sonayon James (Badagry).
State Youth Leader, Dr. Muritala Seriki (Kosofe); Assistant Youth Leader, Vincent Adukwu (Eti Osa); Special Leader for People Living with Disability, Afolabi Dada (Alimosho); Senatorial Youth Leader for West, Rasheed Gboshe (Ajeromi); Senatorial Youth Leader for East, Olugbenga Balogun (Ibeju Lekki), andSenatorial Youth Leader for Central, Olawale Matti Eshinlokun (Mainland).
Senatorial Women Leader for West, Mariam Balogun (Mushin); Senatorial Women Leader for East, Ajewonuola Oshinowo (Ikorodu); Senatorial Women Leader for Central, Modupe Olawoyin (Apapa), Ex-Officio 1, Aisha Sani Kachako (Arewa), Ex-Officio II, Yomi Olubamido (Somolu); Ex-Officio III, Bamidele Olufemi (Apapa) and Ex-Officio IV, Ngozi Chinwuko (Surulere).
