The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a 40-member campaign council in preparation for the July 12 local government elections.
Former APC State Chairman and ex-Commissioner for Home Affairs, Babatunde Balogun, will lead the council as Chairman, with Rasak Ajala, Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, serving as Secretary.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled the elections for July 12, covering chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who announced the inauguration through party spokesperson Seye Oladejo, revealed that the campaign council will operate through six directorates: Mobilization (Oyinlomo Danmole), Finance (Olufemi Daramola), Security (Dr. Razak Balogun), Media and Publicity (Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo), Electoral (Barr. Ademola Sadiq), and Special Duties (Dr. Lateef Ibirogba).
High-profile members of the council include presidential and state government aides such as Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, and Barr. Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government, who will coordinate activities in Lagos West Senatorial District. Abayomi Daramola and Chief (Mrs.) Bolanle Olusanya were named coordinators for Lagos Central and East, respectively, while Sunday Aboyade and Fatai Ayoola were appointed as deputy coordinators for Lagos West.
Ojelabi urged the council to commence grassroots mobilization immediately, highlighting the importance of voter engagement and showcasing the APC-led administration’s achievements at the local level.
In his response, Council Chairman Balogun assured the party of unwavering commitment to securing victory in the polls and laying a foundation for success in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the inclusive nature of the council, which features representatives of women, youth, artisans, non-indigenes, legislators, cabinet members, and the APC State Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, controversy persists over the May 10 APC primaries for chairmanship and councillorship candidates, with some party members alleging imposition and lack of transparency. In response, the party established an Appeals Committee on May 12, chaired by Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), with Abiodun Olufowobi as Secretary. Other members include former Speaker Jokotola Pelumi, ex-lawmaker Lanre Ogunyemi, and Chief Chukwudi Adiukwu.
Ojelabi stated that the party has begun implementing recommendations from the appeals committee and has decentralized its reconciliation efforts to promptly address grievances and foster unity.
