Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming local government elections to hold strong President Bola Tinubu’s political values, which ensured development for all people.

The advice came as the APC chairman in the state, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, threatened to sanction any recalcitrant council chairman.

Ojelabi said those who failed to fall in line would face the consequences of truancy.

The local government elections in Lagos State is slated for July 12.

Speaking at the 2025 Local Government Election Stakeholders’ Parley at State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu asked every APC member to work assiduously for the victory of the party.

He said, “I acknowledge God Almighty that has made today a glorious day. The turnout is interesting. This is the real stakeholders’ engagement.

“Our leader, Mr President, has asked me to tell you to continue to hold his base and he wants to hear good things from you.

“He asked me to tell you, every election is local. Don’t take anything for granted, don’t say you are at the centre; go and engage, let the people know the candidates they want to vote for.

“It is an election you must not take for granted, go out from tomorrow, you are to move from ward to ward and knock at the doors to ensure victory.”

Underscoring the importance of unity, Sanwo-Olu said, “All of us have united, irrespective of our political groups. We are to be fair, for the greater good.

“With our uniforms, it shows we are a party that is committed. The candidates should not disappoint all the leaders that have come out in large numbers to validate their candidacy. We will all obey the guidelines that have been set by LASIEC.”

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda, urged the party members to work together in the interest of the party.

“Let’s put grudges behind us. Let’s use reconciliation and let’s work for the victory of the party,” she said.

Leader of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, advised, “The journey in life is two. Those who would be dignified and others who would be humiliated. So you have to work on the path of dignity by working to better the lots of our people.

“The governor has excelled. You should take a cue from him. Don’t make too much emphasis on personal enrichment but rather for the interest of all.”

The party chairman, Ojelabi, stressed the importance of the governor’s support, saying, “We want to officially solicit your support. I assure you the candidates will ride on the governor’s shoulders.”

He charged the party faithful to use the election to make Tinubu proud, saying, “Today, our father is the president of the country, we are to make him proud come July 12.”