The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed all elected local government chairmen and their deputies to reside within the local government areas they serve.
Speaking at the “Stakeholders’ Special Engagement with Mr. Governor” on Tuesday, the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said strict sanctions await any council boss who fails to comply.
“No council chairman should reside outside the local government. Anytime information reaches us that you are not living in your council, you will be sanctioned,” he warned.
The engagement, held at the State House in Marina, was hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also presented party flags to the 57 chairmanship candidates and their running mates.
The governor urged the candidates to carry their vice chairmen along and avoid using rival party caucuses for campaigns. He emphasized that politics must remain local and warned against complacency.
“Don’t take anything for granted just because we are in control of the centre, the state, and the local governments,” Sanwo-Olu said. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had entrusted Lagos with key opportunities and the party must work hard to retain public trust.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the governor’s wife, called on women to come out and vote on election day, adding that peace and unity should remain strong within the party.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, encouraged reconciliation among aspirants, while elder statesman Tajudeen Olusi advised candidates to avoid greed and emulate leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Lateef Jakande, Tinubu, and Sanwo-Olu.
The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, with plans to monitor the performance and conduct of council officials once elected.
Top APC leaders and party chieftains attended the event, including SSG Abimbola Hundeyin Salu, Senator Idiat Adebule, Joe Igbokwe, Otunba Femi Pedro, and many others.
