By: Olayemi Baruwa
In a bold move to ensure accountability and responsiveness in local governance, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned that any local government chairman residing outside their council area will face sanctions. This directive was announced by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the state APC chairman, during a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Marina, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The warning comes as the party launches its campaign for the forthcoming council elections in the state. Ojelabi emphasized that the party will not tolerate chairmen who do not reside in their council areas, vowing to sanction those reported. “We won’t tolerate any council Chairman that lives outside his council area. Any council Chairman that is reported to live outside his council area will be sanctioned,” he said.
In addition to the warning, Ojelabi advised chairmanship candidates to operate an open-door policy and implement people-oriented programs. This move aims to ensure that council chairmen are accountable and responsive to the needs of their constituents.
The APC’s stance may impact the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for July 12, 2025. As the party prepares for the elections, it remains to be seen how this directive will be enforced and what implications it will have for aspiring council chairmen.
The APC’s warning to absentee council chairmen sends a strong message about the party’s commitment to accountability and responsiveness in local governance. By emphasizing the importance of residency, the party is signaling that it will prioritize the needs of local communities and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
As the council elections approach, the APC’s stance is likely to shape the narrative around local governance in Lagos State.