The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, inaugurated a 40-man campaign council ahead of the July 12 local government elections, signalling the party’s intent to retain dominance at the grassroots level.
The inauguration comes just 24 hours after the party constituted a reconciliation committee to address grievances stemming from its May 10 primary elections.
The committee was established in response to protests and petitions by some aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct and outcomes of the primaries.
The newly inaugurated campaign council is chaired by the immediate past Chairman of the Lagos APC and former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Babatunde Balogun.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move, leveraging his deep experience within the party to lead what promises to be a crucial campaign for the ruling party.
The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Hon. Razak Ajala, was named Secretary of the council, which has been structured into six directorates for effective coordination.
These include mobilisation, finance, security, media and publicity, electoral, and special duties.
The heads of the directorates are as follows: Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole is in charge of Mobilisation, Hon. Olufemi Daramola oversees Finance, while Dr Razak Balogun is responsible for Security.
The Media and Publicity Directorate is headed by Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo, Barr. Ademola Sadiq leads the electoral Directorate, and Dr Lateef Ibirogba is in charge of Special Duties.
To ensure strong grassroots outreach across senatorial zones, the party appointed Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Barr. Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin (Secretary to the State Government) as coordinators for the Lagos West Senatorial District.
Hon. Abayomi Daramola and Chief (Mrs) Bolanle Olusanya will coordinate the Lagos Central and East Senatorial Districts, respectively.
Chief Sunday Aboyade and Hon. Fatai Ayoola were also named Deputy Coordinators for Lagos West.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, congratulated the council members and charged them to begin work immediately.
He emphasised the importance of mobilising voters at the grassroots and showcasing the achievements of local governments under APC leadership.
Responding on behalf of the council, Balogun assured the party leadership of the council’s commitment to deliver victory, adding that their efforts would lay a strong foundation for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council’s membership is drawn from a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the party, including women, youths, artisans, non-indigenes, legislators, members of the state cabinet, and the APC State Executive Committee.
