All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Tunji Abayomi yesterday urged the Ondo State chapter to learn winning strategies from its Lagos counterpart.
He spoke at the “Lagos/Ondo APC exchange programme” held at the party secretariat, Ogba, Ikeja.
The meeting was declared open by the Lagos APC Chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale. He was represented by his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku.
Abayomi said: “Lagos is a noble centre for serious politics. It is the main formidable challenger to rough governance. It is the transformer of a hopeless situation.
“Lagos is a mini-Nigeria. It is the home of strategy. In 16 years, Lagos has prevented the incursion of the PDP.”
Ondo APC local government chairmen were led by Rasheed Badmus, the chairman in Akoko Northwest Local Government.
They were received by his Lagos counterpart, Denge Anifowose of Bariga Council. At the meeting were Legal Adviser Demola Sodiq; Acting Secretary Tunji Saheed; Assistant Publicity Secretary Abiodun Salaam and Administrative Secretary Sola Abayomi.
Abayomi urged APC states to assist the Ondo chapter in its push for power shift, saying that it was in the party’s interest.
He added: “If you see the condition of Ondo APC, you will feel sorry for us. If APC is in government in Lagos and it is not in Ondo, Lagos APC members cannot be happy.
“Lagos has played an important role in our party, which is why former Governor Babatunde Fashola was given three big ministries.”
Odumbaku said the people are thirsty for change, assuring that “the APC will take them to that era of freedom”.
Salaam said change would not come easily and advised the Ondo chapter to put its house in order by making love, unity and peace its watchwords.
Sodiq, the leader of Lagos APC Planning and Strategy Committee, urged the Ondo chapter to prepare ahead and anticipate challenges.
He added: “In Lagos, we do not wait for timetable before we start preparing for elections. We plan for elections immediately we finish an election. The first step is to resolve the disputes arising from previous elections.
“We set up our disciplinary committee and any erring member is sanctioned. We conduct credible primaries and avoid the imposition of candidates. We provide a level playing field for aspirants.”