Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the upcoming local government elections as a strategic platform to reaffirm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, legislative building, a 400-metre paved road, and the groundbreaking of the Ibeju-Lekki Housing Scheme on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to use the council poll as a demonstration of political loyalty and solidarity with the president.

The local government elections in Lagos are scheduled to hold on July 12, 2025.

The governor emphasized that the various projects being commissioned would not only improve infrastructure but also drive economic growth and employment at the grassroots level.

“You know that everything we are doing fosters job creation and increases the internal revenue of the local government,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We believe this will promote structured rural development and enhance the dignity and well-being of our communities.”

Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu, following a recent show of unity between the two leaders. In a message posted to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) after seeing the president off to Abuja post-Eid celebrations, the governor wrote:

“I remain dedicated to supporting his efforts and policies, which aim to bring real and lasting change to the lives of Nigerians. Lagos stands ready to play its part in building the Nigeria we all hope for.”

Addressing supporters in Yoruba during the event, Sanwo-Olu added (translated into English):

“The local government election is near—just one month away. I urge you to show your strength and support through your votes. This will pave the way for a smooth and successful 2027 campaign for Mr. President.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LG, Hon. Abdullahi Olowa, reflected on the progress made since his administration took office in 2021, shortly after the secretariat was destroyed during the EndSARS protests.

“We inherited the urgent task of rebuilding from scratch. Today, by the grace of God, we have not only restored but elevated the local government’s infrastructure to a modern, world-class standard,” Olowa stated.

Five individuals were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrate’s Court in Oshodi for allegedly dumping waste into a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge in Lagos.

The court ordered that the defendants—Quassim Jamiu and Ayo Jamiu (both from Kwara State), Alexander Innocent (Akwa Ibom), Oparinde Taiwo (Ogun State), and Moses Adelowokan (Osun State)—be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until the next hearing scheduled for July 9.

According to authorities, the suspects were caught in the act while attempting to discharge a large quantity of refuse into the canal using a lorry. They were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), in collaboration with security personnel.

The arrest follows an intensified enforcement drive by the Lagos State Government to clamp down on violations of environmental laws, particularly indiscriminate waste disposal.

Lagos Government Set to Reinstate Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal dumping. He stressed that the state would ensure the suspects are prosecuted to the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

“This government will not condone actions that compromise the health of our environment and endanger public safety. Those caught flouting our sanitation laws will face the consequences,” Wahab stated.

The incident occurred just 48 hours after the government issued a strong warning to residents and businesses against illegal waste disposal.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal discord following the party’s recent local government primary elections, with tensions particularly pronounced in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

A faction of APC leaders within the council has thrown its full support behind Abiodun Ejigbadero as the party’s chairmanship candidate. In a communiqué dated May 27, 2025, the group reaffirmed Ejigbadero’s candidacy, describing opposition to his emergence as the antics of a “disgruntled aspirant” pursuing personal interests at the party’s expense.

The communiqué, signed by Chairman E.O. Adedeji and Acting Secretary Shola Akande, stated:

“We, the leaders of the APC in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, accept the emergence of Abiodun Ejigbadero as the party’s chairmanship candidate and pledge our unwavering support to ensure his victory in the upcoming election. We affirm and uphold the outcome of the primary election as the decision of our great party.”

The statement also called for unity, urging members to prioritize party cohesion and work collectively towards electoral success.

Lagos APC Stakeholders Reiterate Opposition to LCDA Chairmanship Nominee

However, a rival faction led by APC Apex Leader Olusegun Shodiya has strongly rejected Ejigbadero’s candidacy, alleging that he was imposed and had no prior involvement in party affairs. At a press conference held on Friday, Shodiya, accompanied by other party stakeholders including Olanrewaju Baruwa, Olamigoke Phillips, Funmilayo Ojelabi, and others, insisted that Ejigbadero did not win the primary and had never participated in APC activities within the LCDA.

“We have taken this principled position in the long-term interest of our party,” Shodiya said. “Accepting a candidate who lacks history or legitimacy within the APC structure would only undermine the integrity of our democratic process.”

The faction reiterated its support for the incumbent council chairman, Hon. David Famuyiwa, advocating for his re-election based on what they described as his “proven performance and loyalty to the party.”

The situation in Agbado/Oke-Odo mirrors similar post-primary unrest in other parts of Lagos, including Agege, Orile Agege, and Yaba, where several APC members have disputed the legitimacy of candidates produced through the party’s primaries.

In an interview with The Punch, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo acknowledged the ongoing tensions and confirmed that reconciliation efforts were underway at both local and state levels.

“We’re working to resolve the disagreements and promote unity,” Oladejo said. “These kinds of disputes are not unusual in primaries. People often treat them as final elections, but we’ve always managed such issues before, and this will be no exception.”

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