By Adeyemi Adeleye
An Abuja-based businessman, Mr Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, on Saturday officially declared his intention to contest the Lagos State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jim-Kamal, during his declaration before loyalists and leaders of Dynamic Group,a political movement, said it was the turn of indigenes to take over the leadership of the state.
Jim-Kamal said he was offering himself to serve the state diligently and take it to greater heights.
“I have come down to serve my people. Everybody seated here can bear me witness that the Aworis (the core owners of Lagos State) have been marginalised in the state.
“That has been our view all this while, but we have had to be diplomatic in our approach.
“Now,we are out to take what belongs to us, and we shall get it by the grace of God. We have what it takes; we have the people. Aworis control 16 out of the 20 local government areas in the state.
“We are determined, but we will respect every view in the state. As the 2027 general elections draw closer, we are mapping out strategies to occupy positions of interest.”
Jim-Kamal, who noted that he was born in Isheri Oke, now Ikosi-Isheri, said his declaration was a response to calls from the original owners of the state.
The businessman-turned politician said his political career started in 1988 when he became the youngest chairmanship candidate in Ikeja Local Government, now divided into Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Alimosho and Ikeja.
He also recalled how he became one of the youngest governorship aspirants in 1999, adding that he was asked to step down by leaders such as Chief Abraham Adesanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Jim-Kamal dismissed reports of an APC consensus agreement to field Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 poll.
The aspirant noted that the party leadership had agreed on direct primaries in the absence of an all-inclusive consensus.
He informed supporters that he would proceed to Abuja on Sunday to obtain the nomination form from the APC National Secretariat.
Highlighting his five-point agenda, Jim-Kamal pledged automated free education at all levels, automated free healthcare services, massive road infrastructure, human capital development and improved security.
“The core of our agenda is family. We are going to do a lot to alleviate family problems, especially for our mothers.
“We do not want to see unemployed youths in Lagos State again, and that will cease in 2027. It may sound ambitious, but it is achievable.
“I have competence in road infrastructure, and we know where to source funds. My partners have promised to invest 50 billion dollars in the state’s road infrastructure.
“We will continue from where Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stops. We will decongest the concentric zones and establish plantations, especially rice, along Badagry.
“As I speak, investors have indicated interest in commencing rice cultivation. Within two years, Lagos will begin to consume locally produced rice,” he said.
Jim-Kamal urged his loyalists to mobilise party members across all wards and local government areas ahead of the APC primaries, cautioning against violence.
Applauding President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, Jim-Kamal said the President’s re-election in 2027 remained assured.
“We must commend President Bola Tinubu for the giant strides he has taken. His policies are for the benefit of the country, especially the Southwest and Lagos.
“By the grace of God, he will secure a second term in 2027. We must support and celebrate his achievements,” he said.
Speaking, Alhaji Alani Olonade, APC Chairman, Ward A, Ikosi-Isheri, offered prayers for Jim-Kamal, noting that success ultimately rests with God.
Also, Mr Aruna Yusuf, a founding member of the Dynamic Group, endorsed Jim-Kamal, describing him as a man with the exposure, capacity and capability to realise the vision of the state’s founding fathers. (NAN)
AYO/BHB
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Edited by Buhari Bolaji
