Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege and Orile-Agege Local Government Areas of Lagos State have dismissed allegations that the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the upcoming July 12, 2025, council elections were imposed.

Following the APC primaries held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the party’s state secretariat, concerns emerged across several LGAs and LCDAs regarding the transparency of the process. While results for 55 out of the 57 local councils were released—excluding Yaba LCDA and Mainland LCDA—some aspirants claimed the exercise was flawed and skewed in favor of predetermined candidates.

LG Polls: APC Aspirants Reject Imposition Plot, Demand Fair Play

In Agege and Orile-Agege, where Alhaji Tunde Azeez and Idowu Akinola emerged as APC chairmanship candidates respectively, similar claims of imposition surfaced. However, on Tuesday, May 13, party leaders from both councils convened at the Agege Local Government Secretariat and issued a joint communiqué rejecting the accusations.

The communiqué was signed by several high-ranking figures, including:

• Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

• Hon. Jubril Kareem, Lagos Assembly member representing Agege 02

• Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed, Member, House of Representatives

• Hon. Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor

• Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training

• Alhaji Safari Adaranijo, APC Apex Leader

• Alhaji Genius Owolabi Dada, First Executive Chairman of Agege LG

• Hon. Richard Akin Osungboye, ex-Chairman, LAHASCOM

• Alhaji Ayoni Shittu, former APC LG Chairman

• Alhaji Tunde Azeez, APC Agege LG Chairman

• Hon. Salau Olaniyi, APC Orile-Agege LG Chairman

• Hon. Rotimi Adeshina, ex-Council Chairman and former Assembly Member

• Elder Sunday Ajide, APC Leader

• Hon. Ashimiu Adebayo, former House of Assembly Member

The leaders stated that critics of the process had long distanced themselves from the party and local communities, thereby lacking credibility to challenge the outcomes.

“The APC primary elections in our councils were free, fair, and credible,” the communiqué stated. “Those crying foul are sore losers who abandoned the party and the people years ago.”

The statement singled out individuals such as Kayode Opeifa, former MD of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; Dr. Samuel Adejare, ex-House of Representatives member; and Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, a former three-term House of Assembly member—alleging they no longer reside in Agege or participate in party affairs.

Others mentioned include chairmanship aspirants like Biodun Ogunji and Bukola “Gidado” Sofidiya, both based overseas, and Sola Osolana, a former PDP candidate in the last council election.

According to the party leaders, the APC adopted a consensus/delegate voting model involving local government executives, most of whom were elected years ago when these individuals were inactive in party matters.

“It is only individuals with shallow understanding or unclear positions who would mistake themselves for serious contenders,” the communiqué concluded.

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area (LGA), one of Lagos State’s most vibrant and strategically located urban centers, is experiencing a remarkable era of transformation under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Otunba Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede. Known for its bustling markets, transport interchanges, and rich cultural tapestry, Oshodi-Isolo has long been central to the commercial heartbeat of Lagos. Today, that legacy is being expanded with a fresh wave of infrastructural, social, and economic development.

About Oshodi-Isolo LGA

Established in 1976, Oshodi-Isolo is located in western Lagos, bordered by Ikeja, Mushin, Amuwo-Odofin, and Alimosho LGAs. It encompasses prominent communities such as Oshodi, Isolo, Mafoluku, Ajao Estate, Ilasamaja, Okota, and parts of Ejigbo. With a diverse population that includes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and immigrants from West Africa, the LGA reflects the multicultural dynamism of Lagos itself.

Oshodi-Isolo is a major commercial and transportation hub. The area houses the Oshodi Transport Interchange, one of the largest in West Africa, and is renowned for markets like the Oshodi Market, which supports thousands of traders daily. Despite its economic vibrancy, the area has historically faced urban challenges such as traffic congestion, flooding, and housing pressure—issues that have begun to see improvement under current leadership.

Leadership and Achievements of Chairman Kehinde Oloyede

Since assuming office on August 1, 2021, Otunba Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has committed to redefining governance at the grassroots. His administration has taken bold steps to address longstanding issues in infrastructure, education, health, and community development. With a focus on transparency, inclusiveness, and execution, he has positioned Oshodi-Isolo as one of the most progressive LGAs in Lagos.

Infrastructure Development

Oloyede’s tenure has seen the construction of over 50 roads, linking neighborhoods and easing internal mobility. These projects have tackled flood-prone zones with proper drainage systems and improved street lighting to enhance safety at night.

Water Projects

Clean water access has expanded significantly, with water projects executed in more than 45 streets. These efforts contribute to better hygiene, reduce water-borne diseases, and alleviate the stress of sourcing potable water in underserved areas.

Educational Support

Education remains a cornerstone of the Oloyede administration. The construction of an ultra-modern block of classrooms at St. Paul Primary School, Mafoluku, demonstrates a commitment to quality learning environments. His government has also distributed free school uniforms, books, and bags, and provided transportation for schoolchildren to support low-income families.

Healthcare Initiatives

A new standard Primary Healthcare Centre is under construction to boost access to basic health services. In addition, existing clinics are being upgraded, and awareness campaigns have focused on preventive care and maternal health.

Youth Empowerment and Social Welfare

Partnering with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the LGA has delivered skill acquisition programs and vocational training for young people. His administration has also distributed palliative support to over 30,000 households, particularly during challenging economic periods.

Lagos LG Poll: APC Calls for Peace, Unity Among Aspirants

Recognition and Community Engagement

Chairman Oloyede’s performance has not gone unnoticed. In March 2025, civic organizations and media outlets acknowledged his excellence in local governance, citing him as a model for LGAs across Nigeria. He has also emphasized participatory governance, recently hosting a stakeholders’ forum for the 2025 budget, inviting residents to contribute ideas directly to development planning.

A Vision for the Future

With continued focus on transparency, infrastructure, and empowerment, Otunba Oloyede’s administration is setting the stage for a smarter, more livable Oshodi-Isolo. The transformation happening in markets, schools, and streets reflects a leadership that listens and acts—and a community ready to rise with it.

As Lagos State continues its broader push for urban renewal and inclusive growth, Oshodi-Isolo under Chairman Oloyede stands as a shining example of grassroots governance that delivers.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has called for peace and unity among chairmanship and councillorship aspirants ahead of the party’s primary elections scheduled for May 10. The primaries will take place across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the APC state secretariat in Ikeja. Chairman of the Lagos APC Election Committee, Babatunde Ogala, appealed to aspirants to consider adopting consensus candidates where possible, stressing that it would foster internal harmony and ensure a peaceful primary process.

“For the sake of unity and a rancour-free primary, we encourage aspirants to dialogue among themselves and reach a consensus where feasible,” Ogala said.

He also announced that, for logistical reasons, the chairmanship primaries will be conducted at the APC secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja. Only chairmanship aspirants and one accredited agent each will be granted access to the venue.

LG Polls: APC Aspirants Reject Imposition Plot, Demand Fair Play

Ogala further clarified that only accredited delegates, aspirants, and their agents will be allowed entry into the primary election grounds, ensuring a controlled and transparent process.

He noted that the screening of aspirants had been thorough and urged all contestants to approach the election with a spirit of sportsmanship.

“This is not a do-or-die affair. The strength of the APC lies in its unity and commitment to due process,” Ogala emphasized.