LG Election 2025: Layode Revives ICC, Hosts Belated "Victory Celebration"

By Dansu Peter  As momentum builds for the 2025 Local Government elections in Lagos State, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, a former four-ter...

By Dansu Peter 

As momentum builds for the 2025 Local Government elections in Lagos State, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, a former four-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency I and the current Commissioner for Home Affairs, hosted a belated "victory celebration" yesterday for members of the Independence Campaign Council (ICC). The ICC, a key group instrumental in the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s landslide victory during the 2023 general elections, had been largely inactive for nearly two years.

Political analysts view the event as a strategic move by Hon. Layode to revive the campaign structure ahead of the forthcoming elections. This follows the purported ban on two major APC factions in Lagos State—The Mandate Movement (TMM) and the Justice Forum (JF)—as announced by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Layode, the "Principal Coordinator" of the defunct TMM, is believed to be seeking a neutral platform to rally support for his preferred candidates in the upcoming polls.

At the event, Layode provided a synopsis of the ICC's formation prior to the 2023 general elections, highlighting its critical role in APC’s resounding victory. He emphasized that the gathering aimed to celebrate the council's achievements and encourage members to remain steadfast and loyal to the party.  

The victory celebration, held at the ICC office in Badagry, attracted many dignitaries, APC leaders, and traditional rulers, including the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, HRM Oba Oladele Kosoko (JP, fMHR), and the Onimeke of Imeke Kingdom, Oba Abraham Olatunji Ogabi. Attendees lauded the organizers for recognizing the contributions of ICC members, describing the event as a long-overdue tribute to the unsung heroes of APC’s 2023 electoral success.

Hon. Solomon Bonu Saanu, a Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Badagry Constituency I, praised the ICC's efforts. In a Facebook post, he expressed gratitude, stating:  

"Yesterday was an exciting day as we hosted our independent campaign group, who worked tirelessly with our great party, APC, to deliver a massive win in Lagos State. Our team leaders, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode and Barr. Emmanuel-Sunday Kappo, carefully handpicked 1,326 dedicated Badagry ICC members to campaign and canvass for APC. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in securing victory for APC in Lagos State, and we're honored to have them as part of our team."

APC Lagos State Chairman Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions Hon. Sule Tolani were among the notable attendees. Ojelabi commended Layode for organizing the event, appreciating ICC members for their selfless contributions during the 2023 general elections. He urged unity among party members ahead of the Local Government elections, emphasizing the need for discipline and alignment with party directives.  

Ojelabi reiterated Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila's announcement on banning the defunct TMM and JF factions, warning that a disciplinary committee would sanction any members defying the ban. He also encouraged faith in President Tinubu’s reforms, highlighting their positive economic impact and the benefits available through government initiatives.

Meanwhile, the timing of the victory celebration has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that the gathering is more about preparing for the Local Government elections than celebrating past successes. They note the event's proximity to the announcement of the factional ban as part of efforts to unify the APC.

Confusion persists over the scope of the upcoming elections. While Gbajabiamila stated that only the 20 constitutionally recognized local governments in Lagos State would participate, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and APC Chairman Ojelabi maintain that the elections will also include the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), raising questions about the final structure. 

Hon. Layode's move to rejuvenate the ICC has reignited speculation about his political intentions and the evolving dynamics within the APC. As the Local Government elections approach, all eyes remain on Lagos State’s political stage, where alliances and strategies could shape the outcome of the 2025 polls.