INTERVIEW: Lagos APC will win all council seats in July 12 polls — Ex-deputy governor Femi Pedro

As Lagosians approach the forthcoming local government elections, the customary political tensions and associated complexities are increasingly evident.

The elections, scheduled for July 12, are expected to play a critical role in shaping grassroots governance and development across the state.

In this interview, WESTERN POST‘s Adeola Ogunrinde engages with former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro to discuss the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s preparedness for the elections, the pivotal role of local government in grassroots development, and other pertinent matters.

Could you provide an overview of the infrastructural development in Lagos State from your tenure as Deputy Governor to the present?

It has been progressive. Lagos is nowhere near what it was 13 years ago. There have been developmental projects in every nook and cranny of Lagos. We have been very lucky for the progress of the state, starting from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who laid the foundation of it all.

Today’s governor is not an ordinary person; I call him Mr Infrastructure because of the development in the state. I remember visiting someone six months ago, and now I can hardly recognise the place. I thank the governor for what he has done so far in Lagos. By the time he completes his term, Lagos will be much better.

With the upcoming local government elections, how would you assess the readiness of your party?

We are very much prepared, having concluded our primaries without rancour. Even where there were disagreements, we have resolved them. We have filled all chairmanship positions, and the candidates are already on the ground.

We have better candidates now because they have been carefully selected, counselled, and trained to invest in developmental projects across all councils and local governments. I am confident that we will win all local government and council seats in Lagos in the upcoming elections on July 12.

What message or advice would you like to convey to the residents of Lagos State ahead of the elections?

My advice to them is that on election day, they should go out and vote for the APC government. There is no need for rancour or thuggery. If anyone loses, another chairman will soon emerge. There is no need for violence or conflict.

Given that voter turnout for local government elections is often low, what would you say to encourage greater participation?

Local government is the grassroots government that directly affects the daily lives of the people — the water you drink, the roads you use, the markets, and primary healthcare. It is this level of government that manages all these services, so you should take an interest and vote wisely, especially for the APC government.

You have local government, state government, and federal government — all led by APC. The National Assembly is also led by our party. We are the party that cares and focuses on lifting people out of poverty.

I must say it is a gradual process. The President met infrastructural decay and an unofficial exchange rate when he assumed office. He has started work and is making positive changes. Some people are yet to see the effects, but there is always a lag between implementing change and seeing its impact. Soon, the effects will become evident.

Please continue to vote APC and support our government; we will not disappoint you.