kakalistiq.com reports that it was a compelling call for unity and voter mobilization on Thursday as prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) converged at Ward A4, Oke-Balogun, Epe, Lagos State, to drum up support for the re-election of the incumbent Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun (PSOA), her running mate Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, and other councillorship candidates under the party’s banner.
At the gathering were party elders and Chieftains including Hon. Bola Gbabjijo, Hon. Bode Alausa, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, Hon. Dr. Segun Agbaje and Hon. Ahmed Seriki. Others are Princess Surah Animashaun, Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, Hon. Toyin Gbadamosi, Hon. Ajisefini, Hon. Tunde Ogunkoya, Hon. Kehinde Bakare, Hon. Shittu Aliu (SAICO) and Alhaja Oluwo.
The political gathering anchored by Hon. Tunde Ogunkoya, began on a solemn note with a minute of silence observed in honour of the late Alhaji Chief Amuni Wahab Oladipupo (Alhaji Double), led by the APC Chairman in Epe, Hon. Toyin Gbadamosi. In his remarks, Gbadamosi expressed appreciation to the ward leadership for upholding party supremacy and commended Princess Surah Animashaun’s performance in her first term, stating that her re-nomination was a reward for proven leadership and commitment to development.
Calling on all party faithful to prioritize mass mobilization, he said: “No one must be left behind. We must begin house-to-house engagement to tackle voter apathy head-on and secure a sweeping victory for APC at the polls.”
Former Epe LG Vice Chairman, Hon. Kenny Kadri-Edu, offered a deeply reflective speech rooted in personal political experience, recounting how she once stepped aside from contesting a councillorship position in favour of Hon. Ottun at the insistence of party leadership. She commended political figures such as Hon. Wale Raji, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, and Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji for their stabilizing roles, describing her post-office relationship with former Chairman Hon. Segun Agbaje as proof that peace and loyalty always pay off.
Kadri-Edu passionately appealed for harmony in the ward, saying:
“Our common enemy is disunity. We must bury our differences, respect leadership decisions, and work together to deliver victory for our party.”
Corroborating her message, Ward A4 APC leader Hon. Olamiji Alinson urged voters to resist voter apathy and instead, deliver overwhelming support at the polls.
“This is not the time for protest votes. Let our unity reflect in the ballot box. God determines leadership, but our participation is our responsibility,” he said.
Current Ward A4 Councillor, Hon. Wale Ikujenya, also lent his voice, recounting his own journey of stepping down in 2011 in obedience to party leadership. He emphasized the importance of respecting internal decisions and called for collective efforts from all factions.
“The victory we seek requires unity. Let us come together and avoid internal rivalry that could cost us this election,” Ikujenya noted.
Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Epe Constituency I, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, directly addressed the frictions within the ward. He appealed to Hon. Wasiu Badara and Tukuru Ibrahim to put aside their differences for the greater good of the party. He invited both of them to a symbolic gesture of exchanging handshakes and warm embraces to the excitement and applause of the gathering.
Also lending weight to the unity plea, Otunba Bode Alausa appealed to the local council to initiate full reconciliation efforts and secure votes from all corners of Ward A4, including the Tukuru Ibrahim-led group. He specifically called on Hon. Ahmed Moruf, the “Mayor” of Oke-Balogun, to galvanize his network of supporters to boost voter turnout.
In a passionate speech, incumbent chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun thanked Hon. Tobun for his peacebuilding role and reiterated the supremacy of divine will in leadership matters. She urged party supporters not to let political grievances overshadow the bigger picture.
“God’s plan cannot be altered. Let’s choose peace, unity, and progress over division. Together, we can record a landslide victory,” she declared, pledging to consolidate on her first-term achievements if re-elected.
The event was rounded off by Hon. Kehinde Shittu, Ward Chairman of A4, who delivered the vote of thanks. He described the event as more than a campaign, it was a strategic meeting for reinforcing continuity in leadership, fostering internal cohesion, and charging the electorate to fulfill their civic responsibility.
The campaign train proceeded to other wards in a strategic effort to consolidate grassroots support ahead of the upcoming LG elections.
