By Olawale Olurotimi
The Southern Forum of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), comprising chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner, has officially declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The endorsement was announced during the inaugural edition of the ALGON Southern Forum held in Lagos, which saw a significant turnout of local government leaders from across the region. The body cited the President’s economic reforms and commitment to grassroots development as the primary drivers for their support.
Fostering Regional Collaboration
Speaking at the event, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, the Chairman of ALGON Lagos State and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, highlighted the necessity of a unified southern front within the national governance structure.
”We are today announcing the formation of the ALGON Southern body. The essence is to see how we can have a stronger collaboration among ourselves,” Olowa stated. He emphasized that since the majority of southern states are now governed by the APC, it was imperative for local leaders to forge a common position on national issues.
Olowa specifically lauded the President’s efforts in repositioning the national economy and his advocacy for local government autonomy. “We are aware of the local government autonomy, even though some of it has not been fully implemented in some states. We are hopeful that every state will eventually implement that. We are with the President 100 percent for his second term.”
A Push for Continuity and Stability
Reinforcing the forum’s stance, the ALGON Chairman for Imo State, Hon. Ikenna Adikibe, noted that the endorsement followed a “thorough and objective assessment” of the current administration’s policies.
Adikibe identified three pillars behind the association’s decision:
- Continuity: To ensure long-term projects reach completion.
- Stability: To maintain the political and economic trajectory of the nation.
- Sustained Development: To further the strides recorded in key sectors impacting the grassroots.
”The association unanimously endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the second term in office… we reaffirm our commitment to supporting policies that promote good governance and improved welfare for citizens at the grassroots,” Adikibe declared.
The formation of this forum marks a strategic move by local government administrators to consolidate political support for the presidency within the southern region ahead of the next general election cycle.
