It was a moment of pride and political momentum on Tuesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State officially presented party flags to 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates, marking the formal commencement of its campaign for the July 12 local government elections.
The colourful flag presentation ceremony held at the APC State Secretariat in Ogba served as a strong show of unity and preparedness for the grassroots elections. The party’s candidates from across all local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs) were handed their official banners, signifying their recognition as APC standard-bearers.
Top on the list of chairmanship candidates who received flags were Azeez Babatunde (Agege), Idowu Akinola (Orile-Agege), Johnson Akinpelu (Alimosho), Adunni Akindele (Mosan Okunola), and Lukman Abiodun (Ayobo-Ipaja), among others representing the 57 LGAs and LCDAs across the state.
The flag handover was performed by key party leaders, including Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the State APC Chairman, who charged the candidates to live up to expectations and work diligently to deliver victory at the polls. He reminded them that out of 475 aspirants, only 57 chairmanship candidates made it through the primaries, underscoring the importance of the party’s trust in them.
“Let these flags inspire hard work, service, and commitment to grassroots development,” Ojelabi said.
“This is a real election, and we must engage voters across all wards to secure victory.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reiterated the administration’s support for the candidates.
“This is more than a flag ceremony; it is a call to duty,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
“We are with you every step of the way. Let us not forget our progressive values—service, transparency, and impact.”
Also speaking at the event, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), advised the flag bearers to prioritize service delivery and remain connected to the needs of the people. He urged aggrieved aspirants who did not secure tickets to remain patient and loyal.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasized party discipline, urging all members to support the selected candidates, describing the local elections as a critical test ahead of future national victories.
“We must stand by the party’s decisions and work together to ensure a landslide win,” Obasa said.
“This election is a step toward returning President Bola Tinubu in 2027.”
Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, Chairman of the APC Campaign Committee, welcomed the candidates and tasked the party’s Local Organising Committees (LOCs) with leading aggressive, ward-level mobilisation. He reminded them that campaigns must not exceed the June 9 deadline set by electoral guidelines.
The event, witnessed by top party chieftains, elected representatives, and grassroots mobilisers, also saw the presentation of flags to all vice-chairmanship and councillorship candidates, officially kickstarting the APC’s push for local electoral success across Lagos State.
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