ADEOLA OGUNLADE
The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja to remain united, committed and focused on securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections, assuring them that dedication and outstanding performance at the grassroots will be recognised and rewarded.
Comrade Dauda gave the charge at the Ikeja Local Government APC meeting held yesterday at Tokunbo Ali School, Ikeja, which brought together party leaders, ward executives and members from across the local government.
He warned that ward executives, particularly those responsible for polling units, must take their mobilisation responsibilities seriously, stressing that anyone who fails to deliver their polling unit for the party will have questions to answer.
“Everybody must be committed to the success of our party. We must remain united and work together to ensure victory in 2027. Those who perform will be appreciated and rewarded. But if you are a ward executive and you lose your polling unit, you will have the party to contend with,” he said.
The chairman emphasised that the party’s success would depend on effective grassroots mobilisation, noting that the coming election required every member to contribute meaningfully, regardless of whether they had been appointed to a committee.
He urged members to set aside complaints and concentrate on the task ahead, adding that political positions and opportunities come through hard work, loyalty and commitment.
“Whether you are on a committee or not, your commitment is what matters. We need everybody’s support. Power is not given; you have to work for it. Nobody gets a position by chance. You must be ready to make sacrifices and work for the party,” Comrade Dauda said.
He urged ward chairmen and canvassers to identify and mobilise voters, adding that canvassers would be expected to engage at least 10 additional people each.
He explained that canvassers and polling agents would play complementary roles in the electoral process, assuring party members that those who undertake assigned responsibilities would be duly compensated.
The chairman further encouraged young people to participate actively in election-related activities, while emphasising that the experience and contributions of older party members remained valuable to the party’s success.
Comrade Dauda also commended the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for his continued support for the APC and his contributions to party members and residents.
He announced that a call centre was expected to commence operations on Monday to facilitate engagement with voters and party members, alongside a palliative distribution programme being coordinated by Hon. Faleke.
According to him, the federal lawmaker has made provision for more than 60,000 palliative packages, with eligible beneficiaries to be contacted by telephone and invited to designated collection points on Saturdays and Sundays.
He explained that the programme would be open to eligible persons on the voters’ register, irrespective of party affiliation, adding that the initiative was intended to support residents beyond the APC membership.
The chairman also recalled that Hon Faleke had facilitated employment opportunities for members, citing 63 job opportunities recently recorded.
He encouraged members to remain patient, united and supportive of the party’s leadership, stressing that sustained commitment would create further opportunities for deserving members.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, Comrade Dauda urged residents who had registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly young people who had attained 18 years, to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He advised eligible voters who had yet to collect their cards to visit their ward chairmen for guidance and support or approach the appropriate INEC office.
He stressed that voter mobilisation and PVC collection were essential to translating the party’s grassroots efforts into electoral success.
The meeting also witnessed the defection of former women leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in two Wards, Ikeja, to the APC.
The meeting was attended by party leaders and stakeholders across the wards, including Ikeja Local Government APC, Chairman. Alhaji Adetoro Adebowale, the Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Kamarudeen Illo, and the Ikeja APC Campaign Coordinator for the 2027 elections, Kehinde Akinola.
