The Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Rotimi Odunaike, has promised to address the state’s infrastructure deficit, improve social amenities and promote inclusive governance, declaring that his administration would prioritise the needs and welfare of residents if elected.
Odunaike made the pledge during the flag-off of his governorship campaign in Ikeja, Lagos State, where he unveiled his campaign slogan, “A New Lagos For All,” and vowed to transform the state through people-centred policies and programmes.
The campaign, which attracted party leaders and supporters, also featured the public presentation of his 162-page manifesto titled Our Covenant With the People of Lagos, outlining his proposed strategies for addressing the state’s development challenges.
Addressing supporters at the event, Odunaike criticised what he described as the concentration of political and economic benefits in the hands of a privileged few since the return of democratic governance in 1999.
He argued that despite Lagos’ economic importance and status as Nigeria’s commercial hub, successive administrations had failed to adequately address the infrastructure challenges and social needs of many residents.
The Labour Party candidate lamented the state of infrastructure and inadequate social amenities across different parts of Lagos, promising to make their improvement a priority from the beginning of his administration.
“I will fix Lagos. Our slogan is ‘A New Lagos For All’. This is not just a mere slogan, but a determination to put the people at the centre of my administration.
“My deputy, Prince Lateef Adenkule Adele, and I will fix Lagos and make it work for all,” he declared.
He said his proposed administration would pursue an inclusive development agenda that would ensure residents across different communities benefit from government policies and opportunities.
Odunaike explained that the manifesto presented at the campaign flag-off contained a step-by-step framework for tackling the numerous challenges confronting the state.
According to him, the document represents a covenant with Lagos residents and reflects his commitment to providing a different approach to governance.
The campaign flag-off was attended by the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee and other party stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Usman urged the party’s leadership and members in Lagos State to put aside their differences and work collectively towards securing victory for Odunaike in the forthcoming governorship election.
She emphasised that unity and internal cohesion were essential to building a formidable political structure capable of challenging other parties in the state.
Usman said the party must learn from its previous electoral experience and work towards surpassing its performance in the 2023 general election.
“I charge you to surpass the feat the Labour Party recorded in 2023. I am certain that, with unity of purpose, you can achieve this because the Labour Party is a party of the grassroots in Lagos State,” she said.
The national chairman warned that internal divisions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects, urging members to close ranks and strengthen mobilisation at the grassroots.
She maintained that the Labour Party had the support base and political structure required to make a significant impact in Lagos if its members remained united and committed to a common objective.
Odunaike, whose candidacy is being presented by the party as an alternative to the existing political order in Lagos, is described by the Labour Party as a banking and finance expert, entrepreneur and professional with experience in agriculture, technology and artificial intelligence.
The party also highlighted his previous tenure as Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, describing his leadership as instrumental in resolving internal disagreements and repositioning the party.
According to the party, Odunaike assumed leadership during a period of internal crisis but succeeded in reconciling opposing factions and restoring stability within the state chapter.
It added that his experience in party administration, alongside his professional background and entrepreneurial activities, had prepared him for the responsibility of leading Lagos State.
The campaign flag-off marks the beginning of the Labour Party’s mobilisation efforts to present Odunaike’s vision and policy proposals to voters across Lagos.
