The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the Justice Forum in Ifelodun LCDA Thursday declared its readiness to begin early grassroots mobilization for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The meeting, held amidst repeated chants of “PCC!” and the response “Asiwaju Again!”, brought together key leaders and members of the group.
Apex Leader of the Ifelodun Justice Forum and former House of Representatives member, Prince Taiwo Oyewole Adenekan, told members that the group’s priority project ahead of the coming political season is to ensure President Tinubu secures a second term.
Adenekan reminded attendees that both the Justice Forum and the Mandate Group trace their political roots to the President, urging members to maintain healthy competition rather than rivalry.
“In every political party, there is competition. Some can turn violent if not well managed. That is why we must be careful and tactical in everything we do. Our focus must remain peaceful and productive,” he said.
He noted that the Justice Forum is experiencing renewed growth, adding that its expanding membership base reflects the group’s strengthened structure. He formally acknowledged the entry of former Ifelodun Council Chairman Hon. Fatai Ajidagba and Dr. Olalekan Akingbola, who were recently received at a state meeting.
Adenekan emphasized that the group has begun early mobilization, referencing the crowd turnout recorded during its recent event at the Police College, Ikeja.
“We have started from the grassroots. The massive attendance at the Police College shows that the movement has begun. We do not intend to repeat any lapses like what happened 2023,” he said.
Ajidagba Explains Departure from Mandate Group
In his remarks, Hon. Ajidagba expressed appreciation to the Justice Forum leadership and outlined reasons for his departure from the Mandate Group.
He described the Justice Forum as more organized, united and stable,particularly in Ifelodun LCDA ,contrasting this with what he called persistent leadership and structural challenges within the Mandate Group.
According to him, the absence of meetings, inauguration of coordinators, functional structures, and transparency contributed to his decision to leave the Mandate group.
“Asiwaju’s success in 2027 requires a forum that is focused, peaceful, strong and united. That is what the Justice Forum represents,” he said.
He urged members to maintain harmony and commitment, pledging his full participation in the group’s activities.
Akingbola Calls for Vigorous Canvassing
Dr. Olalekan Akingbola encouraged members to canvass vigorously for President Tinubu ahead of 2027, promising to faithfully discharge any responsibility assigned to him by the Forum.
PCC State Representative Highlights Group’s Strength
The PCC State Representative for Ajeromi and Ifelodun, Alhaji Daud Somotan, described the Justice Forum as the most established and influential of the political groups supporting President Tinubu in Lagos.
He listed the Forum’s leadership structure, including the Ifelodun LCDA Chairman Alhaji Abdulrasheed Adedayo (Pepper), Vice Chairman Tajudeen Yekinni, and Apex Leader Prince Adenekan. He added that overall leadership across Ajeromi, Ifelodun and Lagos West Senatorial District rests with Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa.
“Justice Forum produced the Mandate Group. We remain the original structure. Our members are the crème of Lagos politics,” Somotan said.
He expressed satisfaction with the attendance and enthusiasm shown at the meeting, describing it as an encouraging signal as preparations begin for 2027.
APC LGA Chairman Urges Members on Voter Registration
Also speaking, the APC LGA Chairman, Owegbe Babalola advised members to take advantage of the ongoing e-voter registration, stressing the need for eligible supporters to acquire their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the elections.
Attendance
The meeting was attended by former Ifelodun Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary Engr. Wahab Adigun; members of the G17, including Alhaja Toyin Ojora, Igwe Tajudeen Yekinni, Lamina, Bro Olaleye; and a former Leader of the Ifelodun Legislative Council.
Delegates from Ajeromi local government were also present, including Ajeromi Justice Forum Chairman Alhaji Afolanya Mudashiru and former Councillor Hon. Ifeanyi Emeagwa.
It will be recalled that at the return of democratic rule in 1999, the Justice Forum played a central role in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State, while his re-election in 2003 was largely delivered through the Mandate Group. However, following the Party’s poor outing in the 2023 elections in Lagos and the exit of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has been drafted to reorganize and coordinate the Justice Forum, which now boasts nearly 38 council chairmen across Lagos. In contrast, the Mandate Group remains divided into two factions, but Enilolobo Abdullahi Ayinde seems to be the leader recognized by Abuja powers
