Sanwo-Olu warns LG chairmen against 2023 election repeat in Lagos

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday charged newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies to deliver the dividends of democracy to residents at the grassroots in order to secure support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

He reminded them of the 2023 presidential election outcome in which the APC lost to the Labour Party in Lagos, stressing that the ruling party would not allow a repeat in 2027.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at a three-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development for the newly elected chairmen of local governments and local council development areas, along with their deputies. The event, themed “Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Governance,” was held in Lagos.

Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor told the officials that, as the closest tier of government to the people, they must ensure their communities feel the impact of good governance. He said they must provide leadership that will convince residents through strong performance.

“We believe local government is the bedrock of our development. You begged and asked for this job. The challenges facing our communities are real, and we must convince the people with strong performance. You cannot fail the president in his Renewed Hope Agenda. We cannot allow a repeat of the 2023 election; we must unify,” he said.

The governor also urged them to work together, avoid forming caucuses, and maintain transparency, warning against treating vice chairmen as “spare tyres.” He stressed that teamwork was essential to achieving results at the grassroots.

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, said the retreat was aimed at helping council chairmen settle quickly into governance and equipping them with knowledge on local government administration.

Chairman of Conference 57 and head of Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area, Sesan Olowa, assured the governor that the new chairmen would not fail the people, while the Local Government Service Commission, through its chairman, Kamal Baiyewu, pledged to work harmoniously with them.