The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi, has secured a second term in office.

Mr Ojelabi was re-elected on Tuesday at the party’s State Congress, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

About 2,000 delegates drawn from across the state returned Mr Ojelabi and others via a consensus arrangement at the congress.

Other state executive members re-elected through consensus arrangement are Moshood Mayegun (deputy chairman), Adeola Jokomba (secretary) and Oluseye Oladejo (publicity secretary).

Others include the legal adviser, Folashade Bakare; the treasurer, Abiodun Ayigbe; the financial secretary, Banjo Adedoyin-Wasiu; the organising secretary, Ayodele Adewale; and the youth leader, Seriki Muritala, among others.

The chairman of the State Congress Committee, Stella Okotete, announced the consensus list of State Executive Committee members, which was endorsed by delegates through voice affirmation.

She described the state as the ‘heartbeat of progressive politics and the proud home of President Bola Tinubu’.

Ms Okotete, in her earlier address, said the state remained the foundation of progressive ideology, discipline, inclusion, strategic leadership and people-focused governance.

She said, “The strength of Lagos is a vital part of our party. It is vital to the strength of our party nationwide.

“According to the Constitution of our party, Article 20, there are approved guidelines for the state congress which today I am here to conduct.

“The congress must be democratic, transparent and in strict compliance with the constitution of our party. When consensus is adopted, it must follow due process as described. This congress is not a contest of enemies. It is a contest of progressive family members united by ideology.”

She reminded aspirants and delegates that qualification to contest and vote was guided by the provisions of the constitution.

According to her, only registered members who have fulfilled the necessary requirements, including payment of prescribed fees and compliance with eligibility conditions, are qualified to participate.

Ms Okotete said, “The processes are binding on all members, and everyone must collectively respect the outcome.

“Our mandate is clear. It is to ensure a peaceful, credible and orderly congress that reflects the unity and maturity of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“I urge our aspirants today to demonstrate sportsmanship and our delegates to vote with conscience and commitment to the continued growth of APC in Lagos State.”

According to her, leadership in the party is service, and unity remains its greatest strength.

“Let this congress further consolidate our progressive mantra and strengthen our structure in support of the renewal agenda of our president,” Ms Okotete said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his speech, acknowledged the peaceful conduct of delegates and said that the APC structure in Lagos State was next to none in the federation.

The governor, who applauded Mr Tinubu for mentorship and leadership, said that party leaders had demonstrated that the party remained supreme.

“We can tell the entire nation that the APC in Lagos is about uncommon standards. We have shown that the party structure in Lagos is next to none in the entire country.

“We have demonstrated that the party is supreme. We have shown everybody that for us in Lagos, we are strengthened by unity of purpose.

“We have demonstrated here that we have a single and common purpose to ensure that the party formation, the party structure in our state, is the best and is next to none,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

Congratulating the new exco, Mr Sanwo-Olu said, “The charge is very simple. You have the responsibility to take this party in the state to a level that becomes a national reference point.

“You have to take this party in Lagos State to a level that becomes a national reference state party, ensuring inclusivity and that fairness and equity are at play at all times.”

The governor commended the national officials of the party for conducting a peaceful congress, adding that Lagos APC would continue to lead and fly the party’s flag higher.

Mr Ojelabi, on behalf of the newly elected state executives, appreciated the party leaders and members for the privilege given to them and others to serve for another term.

He said that the trust reposed in them and the support from the president, Mr Sanwo-Olu, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and other leaders remained a motivation to dedicate themselves to serving the party better.

“As I reflect on the journey of the past four years, I am filled with pride in all we have accomplished together. From strengthening our party structure to securing victories at the polls, we have demonstrated that APC is not just a party but a movement for progress, development and the betterment of the lives of every resident.

“As we celebrate today, we must also look ahead. The forthcoming election presents us with another opportunity to showcase the strength of our unity and the power of our collective resolve. This is a time for us to work together, engage deeper and ensure that APC continues to lead the way in delivering good governance and sustainable development for our people.

“I urge you all to remain steadfast, focused and united. The vision of Lagos State and Nigeria depends on our dedication and our ability to work together. Let us strengthen our bonds, reach out to every community and ensure that no voice is left unheard and no hand is left hanging. Together, we can build an APC that generations to come will be proud of,” Mr Ojelabi said.

The event was attended by APC leaders, including the state deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat; members of the Governance Advisory Council; former and serving senators; and members of the House of Representatives, among others.

Also present at the congress were former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Anthony Adefuye; Gbenga Ashafa; Olorunnimbe Mamora, among others.

The congress was also monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

(NAN)