By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, a former Executive Secretary of the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Afolabi Kazeem, has called on chairmanship aspirants, particularly in Ikosi-Isheri, to pursue their ambitions peacefully and without resorting to violence.
Kazeem, popularly known as ABK, made the appeal on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Isheri Area Office, Hon. Kunle Soname Multi-Purpose Hall, and the Hon. Afolabi Kazeem Complex in the LCDA.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled the elections for July 12, covering 57 chairmanship and 376 councillor seats across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 LCDAs. According to LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Tope Ojo, a possible re-run has been slated for July 19 to prevent any leadership vacuum.
Speaking at the event, Kazeem advised aspirants to consider the overall interest of the party and the community, urging those with fewer supporters to step down before the primaries to consolidate support behind more popular candidates.
“Yes, we cannot stop people from aspiring, but we are all members of the same ruling party, the APC. If an aspirant sees that their strength is low, it would be wise to withdraw and support a stronger candidate,” he said.
He added that the current leadership in Ikosi-Isheri had performed creditably and that continuity would further benefit the community.
Kazeem also called on aspirants to caution their supporters against any form of violence or intimidation, stressing that political competition should not be laced with bitterness.
“You are all qualified and competent, but only one person can occupy the seat at a time. Let us conduct ourselves peacefully,” he urged.
The former council boss appealed to LASIEC to ensure adequate preparation for a smooth and credible election process across the state.