Lagos State All Progressives Congress Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, has congratulated Fuad Laguda on his victory in Saturday’s by-election in Surulere Federal Constituency I, advising him to emulate his predecessor, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday declared Laguda the APC winner of the by-election.

Mr Laguda would be replacing a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila, who after winning the seat in the 2023 general elections, was appointed the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Ojelabi, while congratulating Mr Laguda in a statement on Sunday, said that his victory was a testament to the support and trust the people have in the APC.

“I want to congratulate you and all the people of Surulere Federal Constituency 1 on this resounding victory. This victory should swing you to work immediately. Please, make as your priority the overall interest of the people that elected you beyond personal interests.

“Your victory carries the hopes of many, who believe that the legacy you met shall be sustained by you, and I urge you to do everything within your power to make positive impacts.

“As a member of the Federal House of Representatives, do ensure that you are a true representative of your constituents, by enacting and supporting bills that will have positive impacts on them,” Mr Ojelabi said.

He pleaded with Mr Laguda to put the love of the people in his heart and translate their trust in him into positive action while serving them at the lower legislative chamber.

The party chairman urged the lawmaker-elect to emulate and build on Mr Gbajabiamila’s efforts for his constituents.

Mr Ojelabi described Mr Gbajabiamila as a true representative of the people who showed exemplary leadership while occupying various positions that included Speaker of the House of Assembly in the last dispensation.

According to him, the challenges ahead of the newly-elected lawmaker are undoubtedly enormous.

He, however, said that the determination and resilience that brought him to success at the polls would help him to navigate them all.

Thanking all the party hierarchy for their support and prayers, Mr Ojelabi said that the APC would always remember sacrifices of all loyalists.

(NAN)