Reside in your constituency or face sanctions, Ojelabi warns candidates

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the July 12 Local Council Elections to earn their votes, saying the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would not heed the wishes of anyone.

Speaking yesterday at the ‘APC stakeholders’ Special Engagement with Mr Governor, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the candidates must campaign tirelessly and persuade voters to support them through their track records and manifestos.

This is as The Guardian observed that the Speaker of the State Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was conspicuously absent at the stakeholders’ meeting. The governor urged the candidates to visit wards, knock on doors and engage with citizens to secure their votes. He stressed that the party’s success would depend on the candidates’ ability to connect with the people and deliver on their promises.

“On July 12, 2025, we will vote, and we expect a transparent process, where votes are counted and results announced. As council chairmen, you will have the responsibility of governance, and it’s crucial that you engage with citizens, address their concerns, and deliver on your promises.”

On his part, the Chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, stressed the need for the candidates to reside in their constituencies if elected to office, saying the requirement would be strictly enforced.

According to Ojelabi, any council chairman found residing outside their local council area would face sanctions. He stressed that serving the people required a deep understanding of their needs, which could only be achieved by being physically present and accessible within the constituency.

Ojelabi stated the crucial role of council chairmen in piloting the affairs of their local governments and contributing to the development of the state in areas such as education, health, and agriculture. He stressed that the candidates, if elected, must key into the plans of the governor to ensure the dividends of democracy reach the people.

The Deputy Speaker, Lagos Assembly, Lauds Speaker Obasa’s Decade of Transformative Leadership. Lagos State Assembly, Mojisola Miranda, urged the candidates to emulate the virtues of late Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

MEANWHILE, the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday eulogised its long-serving leader, Mudashiru Obasa, marking a decade of his impactful speakership.

During the plenary session, which saw Oladipo Ajomale step down a motion to allow for tributes, commendations for Speaker Obasa’s growth as a leader and his unwavering commitment to the people of Lagos State resonated throughout the chamber.

Ajomale also proposed the establishment of a Legislative institution and yearly legislative awards in honour of Obasa’s 10 years as Speaker. He acknowledged the critical need to cultivate true legislative leaders, referencing experiences where new members struggled to acclimate to their roles. “Creating this institute,” he stated, “would allow us to create better followers, better leaders, people like the speaker.”

In his response, Obasa praised God Almighty, his parents, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Agege for playing a crucial role in his journey.