A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, on Saturday, known as Itesiwaju Mainland, was officially inaugurated in the Mainland area to kick-start voter mobilization efforts ahead of the 2025 local government elections and the 2027 general elections.
The inaugural event was held at Herbert Macaulay Primary School in Yaba, drawing hundreds of residents from the eleven wards within Mainland Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, the Interim Chairman of Itesiwaju Mainland, Prince Aliyu Momoh, highlighted that the group was established to begin early mobilization for upcoming elections.
“The group was formed following consultations with political stakeholders in the area,” Momoh said, emphasizing that the group’s primary mission is to foster active political engagement.
“Our elders agreed with us. They gave us their support to go ahead with the mobilisation of people for active political participation,” he stated. “We are inaugurating this group also to cater for the welfare of the people by ensuring delivery of the dividends of democracy.”
Momoh further clarified that the group is not backed by any politician but by its own leaders. He described the APC as the top political choice for the Mainland area, with the group focused on boosting the party’s influence and presence.
However, he noted that the leaders within Itesiwaju Mainland have experienced years of exclusion from state-level political decision-making processes.
“These people are a new set of people that we are just grooming into politics and to better their welfare,” he said. “We are confident that with the support of our notable elders in the local government, we will be able to attract democratic dividends to the area.”
Momoh also emphasized that Itesiwaju Mainland is committed to fostering unity and peaceful co-existence among all interest groups in the Mainland area.
“We are against politics of bitterness and thuggery in the area. We are members of APC and we are for peaceful conduct,” he assured.
The General Secretary of Itesiwaju Mainland, Mr. Kola Atanda, added that the group’s membership spans all eleven wards in the local government.
“No fewer than 850 residents have registered and shown their support for the group’s cause,” Atanda reported, underscoring the widespread interest and backing from local residents.
Other leaders from Itesiwaju Mainland took turns addressing the audience, stressing the values of unity, peace, and a commitment to avoiding divisive or violent political tactics. They emphasized the need for collaborative, democratic engagement, urging members to reject “do-or-die” politics.
The event was attended by several notable leaders of the group, including Prince Abiodun Okanlomo, Mr. Oluwagbenga Ogunleye, Mr. Segun Davies, Mrs. Bose Benson, Mr. Mumuni Koro, Chief Nurudeen Otunbade, and Alhaja Aishat Jawando.
Each leader echoed the call for political harmony and active participation, signaling a unified effort to reinforce APC’s influence within the community while promoting a peaceful approach to political engagement.
