The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency staged a massive rally on Monday at the Abesan Estate Stadium, drawing thousands of supporters and showcasing a united political front ahead of the July 12 local government elections.

The Alimosho APC Mega Rally, described by stakeholders as historic, marked a critical turning point for the constituency’s political landscape, as key party leaders emphasized reconciliation, unity, and performance-based governance.

“We Are Now One” — APC Lagos West Leader

In a spirited address, Chief Babatunde Aboyade, the APC State Vice Chairman (Lagos West Senatorial District) and Chairman of the West 1 Campaign Committee, celebrated the merging of once-fractured political blocs within Alimosho.

“It’s fantastic. You can see we are making progress in Alimosho politics. Now, Alimosho is in unity,” he declared. “The division has been eradicated totally. And now we are one. We are promising our national leaders that in Alimosho, we are getting it right come 2027. We are using this election as a foundation, and I can assure you we will deliver massively for APC.”

He also encouraged grassroots mobilisation and hard work within the part “This time around, it’s work and eat. If you perform very well within the party, you should be sure you’ll get rewarded. The party will take note and reward you accordingly.”

Alimosho: Nigeria’s Largest and Most Politically Sophisticated Constituency

According to Hon. Bisi Yusuf, the APC Apex Leader for Alimosho Federal Constituency, the event is a reflection of the region’s political significance:

“Alimosho is the biggest constituency in Nigeria — the most politically sophisticated and also volatile. That’s why today we are demonstrating how to organise politics at the grassroots. It’s a test case of what’s coming.”

Candidates Outline Agenda: From Food Security to Youth Empowerment

Hon. Akinpelu Johnson, current Vice Chairman of Alimosho LGA and APC Chairmanship Candidate, highlighted food security as a central theme of his campaign:

“My first cardinal point is food security. We are going to have the Alimosho Food Bank, Alimosho Food Market, and Alimosho Farm. We’ll ensure food is available and affordable.”

He added:

“I’m using the WISE Agenda — it’s encompassing. We’ll build on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mantra and ensure everyone benefits.”

In Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Agbaje, APC’s chairmanship candidate, pledged to improve infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare:

“Ayobo-Ipaja is largely rural. We’ll focus on infrastructure, equip health centres, and improve primary and secondary education. Widows and the aged will receive dedicated empowerment support.”

Support from House of Assembly and LCDA Chairmen

Hon. Lukman Orelope, a Lagos State House of Assembly member, urged voters to support the APC’s candidates on July 12:

“My advice is that they come out massively to support our local government candidates.”

Also speaking, Hon. Kunle Sanyaolu Olowoopejo, Chairman of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, emphasized the rally’s significance:

“Today marks a new chapter. For the first time in nearly a decade, Alimosho is united as one federal constituency. We are presenting our best candidates — six chairmen and six vice-chairmen — and we are confident they’ll deliver.”

Call to Action Ahead of July 12

The rally served as a clarion call for voter mobilisation and political participation in Lagos’ largest voting bloc. APC stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to development-focused governance and used the platform to rally support for a sweeping victory.

“Come July 12th, we are expecting massive turnout and votes for APC,” Johnson said. “There are only two parties in Nigeria — APC and the rest.”

With campaign promises grounded in food security, youth and women empowerment, healthcare, and education, the APC is hoping to use the July 12 election as a springboard toward broader electoral victories in 2027.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has lauded the resignation of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the decision “honourable, wise, and timely.”

His statement comes amid swirling rumours that Ganduje and Vice President Kashim Shettima are being sacrificed in a political realignment to make way for Rabiu Kwankwaso’s potential defection to the ruling party.

Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, stepped down from his position on Friday, reportedly citing health concerns.

Reacting on his handle (formerly Twitter), Obi applauded the move, urging other political leaders facing health challenges to emulate Ganduje’s action.

“With his health reportedly in decline, it is both wise and honourable to step aside, knowing that he may no longer be able to render the level of service required by the party, the people, and the nation,” Obi said.

He noted that Ganduje’s resignation sets a new benchmark for leadership accountability in Nigeria.

“By this exemplary action, Dr. Ganduje has thrown a challenge to other leaders who, due to health-related issues, are no longer able to deliver optimally. I sincerely hope they take a cue from him,” he added.

Obi stressed the importance of healthy and active leadership, saying Nigeria’s complex challenges demand full attention and energy from those in office.

“We can no longer afford the burden of medical tourism, long holidays, or absenteeism caused by age-related ailments. These things are taking a serious toll on our development,” he warned.

He concluded by wishing Ganduje a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.

“May God Almighty grant Dr. Ganduje a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.”

Sacrifice or Strategy? Galadima Alleges Political Deal Behind Exit

Meanwhile, fresh controversy has emerged over Ganduje’s resignation. Political analyst and close associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, alleged in an interview with Saturday Punch that high-level negotiations are ongoing to clear the path for Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC.

According to Galadima, the deal may involve sidelining both Ganduje and Vice President Shettima.

“I am not aware of the defection plan. However, I know Kwankwaso and Ganduje have personal issues. I am equally aware that there was a meeting of APC stakeholders and the presidency three days ago where they agreed that Ganduje and Shettima should be sacrificed to bring a new set of people into government and the party,” Galadima claimed.

The statement has stirred speculations within political circles, especially as Vice President Shettima has remained noticeably quiet amid the APC’s leadership reshuffles.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which fielded Kwankwaso as its 2023 presidential candidate, declined to comment on the defection rumours.

“I am not aware of such a move, and I can’t speak further on it for now,” said NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson.

Kwankwaso himself is yet to publicly address the matter.

With the July 12 local government elections drawing closer, Alimosho Chairmanship candidate, Akinpelu, has assured non-indigenes in the area of an administration rooted in inclusivity, equality, and progress if elected.

During a strategic meeting held with non-indigenous residents, Akinpelu, alongside his running mate Adebisi, reaffirmed the campaign’s commitment to a unifying governance framework known as the WISE AGENDA.

According to him, the agenda embodies the values of inclusion, social empowerment, and shared development across all communities in Alimosho, irrespective of ethnic or cultural background.

“We are building a leadership that understands Alimosho is a microcosm of Nigeria – full of tribes, talents, and traditions. We must reflect that in governance. We are not here to divide; we are here to unify,” Akinpelu said. “Our administration will offer vocational training, microfinance support, and welfare schemes accessible to all residents, including non-indigenes.”

The meeting, which drew a large turnout of non-indigenous leaders and community members, offered a platform for mutual dialogue. Attendees lauded the candidate’s message of unity and applauded his openness to directly engage with groups often overlooked in local politics.

Akinpelu emphasized that the future of Alimosho must be built with everyone at the table, noting that the WISE AGENDA was crafted with deliberate policies for every demographic group.

“You are not outsiders. This is your home too,” he told the audience. “Our vision is a local government where no one is left behind—where every resident, regardless of tribe or background, has the opportunity to grow and contribute meaningfully.”

Responding to the candidate’s message, representatives of the non-indigenous communities expressed their gratitude and pledged their full support for the Akinpelu/Adebisi ticket.

“We appreciate your sincerity and your vision for a harmonious Alimosho,” one of the attendees remarked. “This is the first time we are seeing such direct outreach, and it means a lot.”

The Akinpelu/Adebisi campaign sees this alliance as a strong pillar in its path to victory, banking on shared values and collective progress. The team believes that with the WISE AGENDA as its guide, a new, inclusive era of governance in Alimosho is possible—one where diversity is not just acknowledged, but celebrated.