The Alimosho Founders Advisory Council, AFAC 79, has said it is seeking to reconcile aggrieved factions within the All Progressives Congress in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State to prevent further divisions in the party.
The chairman of the council, Ade Babalola, stated this during the launch of AFAC 79 in Lagos on Friday, explaining that the initiative was established in response to disagreements among members of the ruling party in the council.
He said the group was committed to bringing the factions together to form a united political force capable of facing opposition parties in the area.
Babalola said, “We foresaw disagreements and crises within the progressive party in Alimosho. We, AFAC 79, are descendants of the founding members of our political party.
“We were among those who requested the creation of Alimosho Local Government Area in 1979, when Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the Governor of Lagos State. At that time, there was peace in every nook and cranny of Alimosho.
“But the situation today is different, with different factions turning against one another. A house divided against itself is bound to collapse.”
The council chairman said the group was determined to prevent a recurrence of the divisions that, according to him, affected the party during the 2023 general elections.
He added that the council would continue to pursue reconciliation and peace among party members to strengthen its political standing in Alimosho.
Babalola expressed gratitude to God for the successful launch of the council, describing the event as a significant step towards achieving its objectives.
“We are thankful to Almighty God, who has made our dream come true. Today, we have successfully, peacefully and honourably achieved our aim, and we shall continue to pursue the peace movement,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Babalola blamed some of the country’s challenges on military rule, describing the administration of former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, as the best military regime the country had experienced.
He also recalled the regional system of government that existed before the creation of states, arguing that the country enjoyed greater unity during that period.
Babalola further praised the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Jakande, for its contributions to education and development in the state.
He said Jakande expanded educational opportunities during his tenure, citing the growth in the number of colleges as an example of the administration’s achievements.