It was a long but exciting night at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, venue of the collation and announcement of results of the local government election held Saturday July 23, as chieftains of different political parties gathered to witness the official declaration of the winners.
Even though from unofficial results, as gathered from different polling units across the wards, the likely winners were known but all the party agents and chieftains anxiously waited for the official declaration by Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
About 10 pm, the electoral body officials began to reel out the figures.
Just as was speculated before the election, it was a two-horse race between the ruling party in the state, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Eventually, the candidate of the APC – Engr. Mojeed Alabi Balogun got 6,191 votes to defeat his closest rival
Olowolagba Omolara of (PDP) who got 990 votes.
In the crowd were supporters of different political parties, but in greater number were those of the APC.
The crowd of supporters erupted into wild celebration the moment the Returning Officer declared Engr. Mojeed Balogun the winner and duly elected Chairman.
Around to witness the declaration were Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson (National Woman Leader, South West), Chief Funso Ologunde (State Vice Chairman, Lagos West), Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency), Alhaji Dally-Adeokun, Chief (Mayor) Alani Okikioposu, Comrade A.B. Dania, Prince Oluranti Olufon, Engr. Abiodun Taiwo (Sole Administrator) and a host of other party leaders.
The leaders took their turns in congratulating the Chairman-elect and expressed their joy at having a violence free election.
High point of the night was when a visibly emotional and excited Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson took time to pray for the Chairman-elect and his vice for a successful tenure in office and wished them the very best.
An overwhelmed Engr. Mojeed Balogun thanked all for their massive support, and promised not to let them down but to hit the ground running.
BY CHRISTY ANYANWU Travel often has a way of confronting our expectations. Sometimes, we set…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has clarified its position following recent reports referencing data released…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a landmark reform that replaces project-by-project negotiations with…
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula…
The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has commenced the replacement of stolen manhole…
BY 'KEMI PINHEIRO There are men whose passing is announced by the tolling of bells.…