Market women and community groups have purchased N5.5 million APC nomination forms for Mr Amodu Shehu, son of a local pepper seller, to contest chairmanship.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled elections for July 12 in all 57 council areas across the state.
Shehu said traders, artisans, youths, and community leaders around Oyingbo market funded his nomination and administrative fees to support his ambition.
He disclosed this on Friday during the unveiling of his forms and official declaration to contest Lagos Mainland Local Government chairmanship.
Shehu pledged to honour the trust placed in him and deliver inclusive, people-centred leadership if elected into office.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Lagos Mainland, he promised to prioritise education, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
“With my background as a pepper seller’s son from a humble community, I understand the struggles and will fight for meaningful change.
“Together, we can secure a better future for the children of Lagos Mainland through unity and commitment to progress,” he said.
He described his aspiration as a product of love for community, wide consultation, and a strong vision for rapid development.
“I seek to provide visionary, purposeful, and competent leadership that meets the hopes of our people,” Shehu stated.
He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, saying he is equipped with the knowledge, experience and exposure needed to lead.
Market leader, Mrs Iyabode Agboola, said traders came together to fund the forms because Shehu represents their hopes and struggles.
“Amodu is one of us. He grew up in our market and knows the reality of our everyday lives.
“This campaign is our collective project and we stand firmly behind him,” Agboola said.
Another market leader, Ms Bakare Adetokunbo, said they contributed to buy the APC nomination form because Shehu understands their pain.
“His mother sells peppers like me. He knows the value of every naira. He won’t forget his roots,” Adetokunbo said.
A local carpenter, Mr Femi Akande, said artisans are backing Shehu because he would fight for their future and their children’s.
Ward G Councillor and youth leader, Mr Biliaminu Saka, said Shehu’s leadership will bring smiles to faces of struggling residents.
“Shehu represents dynamic, youthful leadership. He has a record of mobilising young people for positive change.
“He brings energy, passion, and fresh ideas to local government,” Saka said.
Similarly, Ward D Councillor, Mr Ayodele Isiekwene, said Shehu’s support across the community shows strong grassroots belief in his candidacy.
“He’s one of us and understands our challenges. Amodu will be a true voice for the people,” Isiekwene said.
NAN reports that Shehu, an IT professional and son of a renowned Oyingbo pepper seller, enjoys wide support from residents.
Market women, artisans, and APC members gathered in large numbers to express solidarity with Shehu’s candidacy. (NAN)