It was a historic and emotionally charged moment in the Somolu Local Government on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, as Hon. AbdulLateef Ashimi, the incumbent Councillor representing Ward B (Bashua), was officially presented with the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag as the party’s chairmanship candidate for the upcoming Lagos State local government election scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The well-attended declaration ceremony, held at the Lagos APC party secretariat in the Acme, drew party stalwarts, loyal supporters, traditional leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders across the council area. Cheers, chants, and applause filled the air as the APC party leadership handed over the symbolic party flag to Hon. Ashimi, formally affirming his candidacy.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ashimi expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of the APC at the local and state levels for the confidence reposed in him. However, he reserved special praise and glowing tributes for the outgoing council chairman, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu, popularly known as Dullar, describing him as a transformational leader, a mentor, and a pillar of support in his political journey.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the APC flag today. This is not just a symbol of candidacy—it is a call to greater service. I want to sincerely thank our leader and chairman, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu Dullar, whose visionary leadership has laid the foundation we are proud of today. He has shown us the true essence of grassroots governance and mentorship. I am simply standing on the shoulders of a giant.” Ashimi said.
Hon. Ashimi vowed to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration by focusing on youth empowerment, infrastructural development, improved healthcare, and responsive governance. He emphasized continuity and people-oriented leadership as the guiding principles of his campaign.
Party leaders present at the event reaffirmed their confidence in Ashimi’s candidacy, citing his dedication, loyalty, and experience as a grassroots politician. Many noted that his selection represents a strategic move to maintain unity within the party and ensure sustained progress in the Somolu community
Meanwhile, as the countdown to the July 12 local government polls begins, the APC campaign train in Somolu is expected to gain momentum, with Hon. Lateef Ashimi now at the helm of affairs, waving the party’s flag with pride and a clear vision for the future.
The stage is now set, and the people of Somolu will soon head to the polls to decide who will lead them into the next phase of local development—but for the APC, the baton has been officially passed.
