A new chapter opened in the annals of Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday following the election of the former federal legislator, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi as Chairman.
He succeeded Tunde Balogun, who Ojelabi praised for building on the foundation by his predecessors.
Ojelabi, former Ojo Council chairman, Rural Development Commissioner and House of Representatives member, promised to serve the party to the best of his ability and complement the effort of the Governor in advancing the cause of the Centre of Excellence.
House of Representatives member James Faleke, who nominated the new chairman, described him as a loyal grassroots politician who will promote inclusion in party affairs.
The nomination was seconded by another federal legislator, Olufemi Adebanjo.
No fewer than 1, 615 delegates from the pre-existing 20 local governments converged on the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, for the exercise, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described as fairest, seamless, peaceful and non-violent.
Other officers elected included former lawmaker Sunmi Odesanya (Secretary); Seye Oladejo (Publicity Secretary); Jumoke Okoya Thomas (Women Leader); Ayodele Adewale,( Organising Secretary) and Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (vice chairman, East).
The Congress was conducted by the approved State Congress Committee, led by Adebayo Adelabu, who said the 36 aspirants, who were returned unopposed by a voice vote, were thoroughly screened by the panel.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, led by Sheu Abdulwahab, witnessed the congress.
The party event was orderly. Adelabu said the venue of the event was advertised in the newspaper, adding that during the screening, one only chairmanship aspirant was disqualified for failing to meet the requirements set by the party.
The Congress committee chairman also recalled that the list of aspirants was pasted at the state party secretariat.
At the congress were Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to Government Folasade Jaji; Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde; Senators Oluremi Tinubu(Central); Solomon Adeola, (West) and Tokunbo Abiru(East); Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member Wale Edun, Environment Commissioner Tunji Bello, his Information and Strategy counterpart, Gbenga Omotoso, former Deputy Governors Olufemi Pedro, Sarah Susan and Idiat Adebul and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
Ojelabi assured party faithful that his team will lead the party to an enviable height.
Urging members to join hands with his team to move the chapter to a greater level, he said: “We are committed to set in our party on a greater pedestal in which other states in the federation will always look up to as leader. We will consolidate the achievement of my predecessors.”
Ojelabi promised that his team would serve with the best of their ability to complement the giant strides of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
He said: “This is another milestone in the history of our party. The process and outcome were seamless and non-violent. We give glory to God.
“We also thank God for giving us good leader with great foresight and thoughtfulness in person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Asiwaju has made his experience and sagacity count in moving our party at the state and national level forward.”
Ojelabi thanked Sanwo-Olu for endearing the party to Lagosians through his developmental and poverty alleviation programmes.
Adelabu said the committee ensured objectivity, fairness and justice in going about the assignment.
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