Ikeja Progressive Youth Endorse Abisola Omisore for Chairman Ikeja Local Govt
IPY leaders endorse Omisore (middle.)
By Michael Jimoh
A crucial meeting of Ikeja Progressive Youth of the All Progressives Congress on 25 Friday 2025 at Apartment 79 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way Ikeja lasted just a little above an hour. But the outcome may very well mark the beginning of a four-year term for one of the participants as Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area in the forthcoming Lagos Local Government and LCDAs elections scheduled for July 12. APC primaries for the same election has been fixed for May 10.
Former Vice Chairman APC Ikeja Ward F, Hon. Omisore was not just a participant when hundreds of excited party members (of both sexes) converged in one of the swank halls overlooking the swimming pool. He was, in fact, the focus of attention. In other words, top politicians among the youths had come from all corners of Ikeja and beyond to endorse his candidacy as chairman in the local government election. To demonstrate their support, IPY also bought the nomination form which they presented to a man all of them are angling to be chairman of a principal, if not the oldest, council in the entire state.
Ikeja’s double status as capital and seat of government in Alausa confers on it many privileges. It has one of the largest industrial estates in Nigeria with top of the range companies doing business ever so briskly. It is home to Computer Village, the current and largest technological hub in the whole country, with a human population to match, or even surpass, most state capitals.
So, contesting and hoping to win as chairman of this council right in the heart of Lagos should give any neophyte pol pause for thought. Not Omisore who has been a card-carrying member of Alliance for Democracy, then Action Congress of Nigeria before morphing into APC, a party he is now a flag bearer for the mid-July elections.
But what will possibly determine his fate in the poll is the solid support Omisore enjoys from IPY. Long before the event proper began that midmorning, young men and women had filled the hall to capacity. Attendants brought in more chairs as more members streamed in. By the time Omisore himself arrived, the audience on own its stood up to accord him respect as you would a distinguished person. Shouts of “Up Chair,” “Up Chair,” echoed all around.
Omisore himself acknowledged IPY’s loyalty and support, raising both hands as four, five or so party members escorted him from the entrance through the aisle to the podium.
Publicity Secretary of Ikeja LGA Omotayo Matthew Aderinola and publisher of Lagos Panorama, an online newspaper, welcomed Omisore. An aspirant for the chairmanship position, Tayo used the occasion to withdraw from the race and support Omisore instead.
“Following consultations and careful consideration with my legal counsel and supporters, I, Omotayo Matthew Aderinola, have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the Chairmanship position in Ikeja Local Government in compliance with our party’s guidelines,” the Publicity Secretary told cheering members.
“I am delighted to declare my support for a chairmanship aspirant who possesses the requisite qualifications and shares my vision for sustainable development and the well-being of the people of Ikeja.”
Ikeja, Tayo reminded the audience, is the political base of none other than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself. In plumping for Omisore therefore, Tayo sees a candidate who will actualise the “renewed hope mantra of our National Leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria…In light of the current situation, I am pleased to announce my endorsement and support for Mr. Abisola Omisore, the most exceptional chairmanship aspirant to represent our great party, APC, in Ikeja for the forthcoming Local Government Elections. I firmly believe that Mr. Omisore possesses the vision, leadership skills, and dedication required to propel Ikeja forward.”
Remarkably enough, it is the first time members of a party, a youth movement in this case, will purchase forms for a candidate to contest in the history of council polls in Ikeja.
Of the purchase itself, Omisore declared enthusiastically: “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the Ikeja Progressive Youth for this incredible gesture of purchasing the nomination form on my behalf. This is not just a form; it is a symbol of your belief in my vision, your trust in my capacity, and your commitment to the progress of Ikeja.”
He also did not gloss over Aderinola’s readiness to step down for him. “I am compelled to express my deepest gratitude to Comrade Omotayo Matthew Aderinola for your remarkable demonstration of comradeship, exemplary sportsmanship and selfless devotion to our shared political ideals.”
In short order, Omisore elaborated on the “shared political ideals” which IPY has prioritised over time: Youth empowerment and job creation “because the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Inclusive governance “where every community, market and street has a voice.”
If given the mandate, Omisore went on, he will also focus on Infrastructure and sustainable development “because Ikeja deserves roads, health care and facilities that match it’s status as the heartbeat of Lagos,” Security and welfare to “ensure that residents feel safe and valued.”
Though politicians are notorious for distancing themselves from voters once elected into office, nothing suggests Omisore will be so inclined. Yet to be elected as chairman, short video clips show him handing out foodstuff, beverages to Muslim communities in different parts of Ikeja during last Ramadan. Omisore repeated the same process for a number of Christian communities during Lent.
Besides his generosity, speaker after speaker at the IPY gathering last weekend at Apartment 79 praised Omisore for his humility. Fatal Majiyagbe who was master of ceremonies crowed about Omisore’s loyalty to the party as well as his general concern for others. Majiyagbe was one of two party faithful who proudly raised Omisore’s hand skyward in endorsement.
Other IPY leaders were also on hand: Matthew James, chairman of IPY in Computer Village; Femi Adeyemi; Gbenga Bolaji and former Women leader of Ikeja Ward E Hon. Adeshola Adeniyi who opened the session with a prayer.
Thankful for IPY’s endorsement, Omisore however insisted that it was not for him alone. “This journey is not about Abisola Omisore; it is about all of us. I urge every youth, every stakeholder, and every resident of Ikeja to join hands with me. Let us move beyond division and focus on the greater good. Together we can build an Ikeja that works for everyone.”
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