All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Lagos State has declared its intention to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Chairman of APGA in Lagos and the party's candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, Hon. ThankGod Christopher Ibeh, stated this at a town hall meeting organised by Amuwo Residents for Better Representation (ARBR). Ibeh unveiled his developmental agenda, anchored on youth employment, skills acquisition, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Ibeh's manifesto, tagged the R.O.L.E Agenda, outlines his proposed approach to representing the constituency if elected. The agenda focuses on Representation, Oversight, Legislation, and Engagement. According to Ibeh, APGA has developed strategies and structures to compete for elective positions in Amuwo-Odofin, including the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and councillorship seats. He expressed confidence that the party would displace APC at the legislative arm.
Ibeh emphasized that his commitment to constituents was not dependent on holding public office, noting that he had supported members of the community through his philanthropic activities. He described representation as both a responsibility and a sacrifice, pledging to make the welfare of constituents and effective representation the focus of his tenure if elected. Ibeh also urged voters to assess candidates based on their credibility and capacity rather than political trends.
On youth unemployment, Ibeh promised to establish a skills development programme to equip young people with practical skills and improve their economic independence. He vowed to introduce a programme where one youth would be taught two skills, adding that he would pursue partnerships with Federal Government ministries, departments, and agencies, private-sector organisations, and development partners to create employment opportunities for youths in the constituency.
Beyond employment, Ibeh promised to focus on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. He pledged to support scholarships and bursary awards, improve access to healthcare, promote agricultural initiatives, support small businesses and vulnerable groups, and work with relevant institutions to improve roads and other infrastructure in the constituency. Ibeh described the R.O.L.E Agenda as a commitment to purposeful leadership and sustainable development.
Ibeh, a member of APGA since 2006, previously contested the party's governorship primary in Anambra State against the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. He expressed confidence that some APC members could defect to APGA ahead of the elections, stating that the party would win all elective positions in Amuwo-Odofin, including councillors. Ibeh also said that APGA's campaign would be driven by its promise of political change.
Ibeh concluded that residents were increasingly conscious of their choices, adding that APGA had always clamoured for change. He said the party was seeking to win all elective positions in the area and expressed confidence that the tide would soon favour APGA.
Key points
- APGA has developed strategies to challenge APC's dominance in Lagos.
- Ibeh unveils R.O.L.E Agenda to address constituents' needs.
- APGA seeks to win all elective positions in Amuwo-Odofin.
