As the newly elected Executive Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 57 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs took oaths of office in Lagos State, the National Convener of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Crusade Organisation ABATCO, Comrade Ayeni Oluwaseun Samuel has called on the newly inaugurated council chairmen to take swift action and implement policies and programmes that will enhance the living conditions of residents.
Comrade Ayeni, in a congratulatory message to the council chairmen, emphasised that inauguration day is more than just a ceremony; it represents a call to duty, a commitment to the people, and a significant moment in the journey of grassroots democracy.
He reminded the council chairmen that the responsibility of leadership now rests on their shoulders and that history will remember how they respond to this challenge.
As a grassroots mobilizer and stakeholder in the progressive movement, Comrade Ayeni congratulated all chairmen and their deputies, especially those stepping into this important role for the first time.
He specifically acknowledged Comrade Akeem Dauda, Chairman of Ikeja Local Government; Moyo Adebanjo, Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA; Otunba Seyi Jakande, Chairman of Isolo LCDA; Otunba Olasoju Aremu Adebayo, and Chairman Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Mr Olawale Jimoh as well as other chairmen.
He reminded the newly elected chairmen that their election was not to build personal empires or operate in political isolation, but to serve, lead with empathy, and achieve tangible results in line with the vision of the All Progressive Congress, one referencing the saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected, in Luke 12:48”.
Comrade Ayeni, a political analyst and advocate for responsible governance, pointed out that the first-term chairmen should keep in mind that their legacy will be defined over the next one thousand four hundred and sixty-one days, particularly during the crucial six hundred days leading up to the 2027 general elections urging them to utilise the time wisely and serve with urgency and honour.
He advised second-term chairmen to maintain their progress and emphasised that now is not the time to relax. Instead, they should increase their efforts, bridge existing gaps, and regain the trust of their constituents with renewed vigour.
”For those whose previous tenure was marked by poor performance, absenteeism, and neglect of the community, this new mandate is not a trophy, but a final chance to right those wrongs. He reminded them of what occurred in their LGAs during the 2023 general elections and how their actions weakened party morale and voter confidence. Redemption is now in their hands”, said Comrade Ayeni.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Comrade Ayeni stated that the success of the APC at the local, state, and federal levels will depend largely on their actions during this term, noting that every neglected road, every abandoned health centre, every child without quality education, and every youth lacking access to empowerment represents a setback for the APC.
He warned that any chairperson who underperforms risks being the reason voters rally against President Bola Tinubu and any APC candidate in Lagos.
As the National Coordinator of ABATCO, Comrade Ayeni assured that the organisation will continue to monitor and document the performance of council chairmen, highlighting those who excel encouraged sharing their achievements widely, conversely, those who fail will face constructive and courageous engagement from the organisation without compromise.
He urged the newly inaugurated council chairmen to prioritise people over politics, focus on community welfare, complete ongoing and abandoned projects, and ensure they are physically present and engaged with their constituents.
Comrade Ayeni reminded everyone that true governance occurs in the trenches—not in air-conditioned offices—but through activities such as clearing drainage, renovating schools, operating maternal clinics, implementing empowerment programmes, and engaging daily with the community.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi