The Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Ismaila Sanni, has declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the local government level, insisting that he possesses a deep understanding of the responsibilities and demands of leading the ruling party.
Sanni made this known while formally confirming his interest ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent APC LGA Chairman, Chief Sam Adeyemi. He said his decision was informed by years of hands-on political experience and service to the party across different levels.
According to him, his political journey began at the grassroots, where he served as Zonal Chairman in Ward G, Alakoto, before rising to Assistant Ward Secretary and later becoming the substantive Ward Secretary. He subsequently emerged as a Local Government Area (LGA) officer and currently serves as the APC Organising Secretary in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
“I am part and parcel of the present LGA leadership, and I understand party administration and grassroots politics,” Sanni said. “I did not come into politics by chance; I grew through the ranks, and that experience has prepared me for higher responsibility.”
He commended past and present APC chairmen in the local government, particularly Alhaji Mauruf Bayewu (Ologbojo) and the incumbent, Chief Sam Adeyemi, for their contributions to strengthening and projecting the party. Sanni noted that Adeyemi, in particular, succeeded in uniting the party and redefining its internal political culture.
Describing himself as a unifier, Sanni pledged to deepen unity and promote a shared sense of purpose if elected. He stressed that appointments and responsibilities under his leadership would be based on merit rather than favoritism.
“I believe in studying party members, understanding their strengths, and rewarding performance. When people are recognised and appreciated, they are motivated to do more, and others are challenged to improve,” he said.
He cited the example of the current Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Olamilekan Olu Akindipe, whom he praised for what he described as an unprecedented level of inclusiveness, particularly during the last Christmas period when a large majority of party members benefited from empowerment initiatives.
Sanni also highlighted his extensive experience in party administration and electoral processes, noting that he had served as a collation agent during a previous council administration and represented the party at the election tribunal on the present member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kalejaiye. He said his effective handling of critical technical questions at the tribunal helped the party retain its mandate.
He further recalled his role as Director-General of the campaign organisation that led to the emergence of Hon. Akindipe as council chairman, describing the campaign as one of the most peaceful and well-coordinated in the history of the local government.
“It was a campaign without rancour or thuggery, marked by massive mobilisation and strategic execution,” he said, attributing the success to his background as a grassroots organiser at zonal, ward, community, and LGA levels.
Outlining his plans if elected APC chairman, Sanni said his priority would be extensive consultations with party leaders and members across the nine wards of the local government.
“I will visit all wards, engage leaders and members one-on-one, reassure them of transparency, and allow everyone to contribute ideas. Any suggestion with substance will be adopted and implemented,” he said.
He assured that his leadership would foster inclusiveness, close communication between party executives and members, and proactive engagement with elected representatives at the state and federal levels to ensure that dividends of democracy, including employment opportunities, reach party members and residents.
Sanni also promised proper documentation of party activities and beneficiaries to prevent duplication and exclusion.
“Our journey is collective, and our success depends on unity, fairness, and accountability,” he added, expressing confidence that the party would record “tremendous success” under his leadership if elected.
