By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Saliu Adekunle (a.k.a Africa), an aspirant for the councillorship seat in Ward A, Oworonshoki under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally declared his intention to contest in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12 in Lagos State.
Adekunle made his declaration on Saturday during a campaign event and media chat held at his constituency office in Oworonshoki, Lagos. The event was attended by party leaders, stakeholders, and youth representatives.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has fixed July 12 for chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Speaking during the event, Adekunle highlighted his political and leadership experience, noting that his journey in governance began during his university days as a student parliamentarian and continued through his role representing Kosofe at the Lagos State Parliament.
“My life has always revolved around legislative responsibilities,” he said. “I’ve contested in 2017 and 2021, but stepped down each time in loyalty to party leadership. Today, the leaders believe this is our time.”
Adekunle also emphasised his dedication to community service, particularly in addressing issues affecting residents of Ward A. “I am passionate about solving problems that affect my people. Our approach is focused on individual needs that contribute to collective progress.”
On youth development, Adekunle described himself as “a compass of the youths,” stressing the importance of preparing young people for leadership roles. “No leader can talk about the future without investing in the youth and drawing wisdom from the elders.”
He also addressed issues affecting women, describing them as “a fragile entity of the society,” and promised special attention to female empowerment initiatives. “Those who know my track record understand the value I place on women’s issues,” he added.
Adekunle called on other aspirants to publicly declare their intentions, saying it encourages party leaders’ participation and sets the tone for a transparent electoral process within the party. “This declaration serves as a template. Once you take the step, party leaders will stand by you,” he said.
Among dignitaries present at the declaration were the APC Chairman of Ward A, Alhaja Usman; Alhaji Ahmed; the current Councillor of Ward A, Fatai Afolabi; Organising Secretary of Lagos-East, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Olaide Lateef; Barrister Mrs. Bintu Shobaloju-Akinrele, and a former aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The declaration further sets the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested grassroots election in Kosofe Local Government Area.