By Ebunoluwa Sessou & Matthew Johnson

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, from 17 Southern states has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

States represented at the meeting include; Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Ogun, Imo, Oyo, Abia, Ekiti, Anambra, Edo, Enugu, Delta, Osun, Ondo, Bayelsa, and Ebonyi.

The group held its first edition of AlGON Southern forum in Lagos with a bid to strengthen grassroots governance and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.

It also reviewed key governance priorities and reaffirmed commitment to coordinate developments , which also featured endorsement of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Deputy National President of ALGON and Imo State ALGON Chairman, Ikenna Tony Adikaibe, explained that the body’s decision to endorse President Tinubu followed extensive deliberations on issues of national importance and governance at the Southern APC states chapter.

He said, “After a thorough and objective assessment of the leadership and policies of the current administration, the association acknowledged the ongoing efforts and strides recorded in key sectors impacting national growth and grassroots development.

Adikibe, called for stronger unity among local government authorities across the country, urging participants to use the forum to harmonise positions and develop practical strategies that would enhance service delivery and reinforce the role of local governments within Nigeria’s federal structure.

He noted that global disruptions, including climate-related challenges and post-pandemic realities, had further underscored the need for cooperation among councils, stressing that only collective action could strengthen governance outcomes.

The ALGON deputy president further stressed that the forum must move beyond discussions to actionable resolutions that would shape the future of local government administration in Nigeria.

He also commended the president and its administration achievement reform as bold and visionary aimed at strengthening local government autonomy and financial capacity, noting that such efforts were already restoring confidence in governance at the grassroots.

According to him, “As leaders at the grassroots, we are closest to the people, and the success of governments at all levels depends largely on how effective we are in delivering on our mandate.

“Unity is our strength. When we align purpose and direction, our voice becomes stronger, our influence more impactful, and our outcomes more meaningful, that’s why , we chairmen of ALGON of different states pass a vote of confidence in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” Adikibe said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State ALGON Chairman, Mr. Sesan Olowa,, described the forum as a critical platform for unity among grassroots leaders across the southern region.

Olowa noted that , Nigeria was undergoing a period of significant transition under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the ongoing reforms across sectors aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening institutions, and promoting national renewal.

He said local governments must position themselves as key drivers of development, stressing that the time had come for stronger collaboration among councils in the 17 southern states.

“We must speak with one voice, matched with shared purpose, and position the local government as a strong and effective driver of national development,” Olowa added.

Also speaking, former Lagos ALGON Chairman, Mr. Kolade Alabi, described the initiative as a milestone for grassroots governance, praising stakeholders for sustaining the vision of unity and cooperation among the grassroots level. Stating that,
“ I was unable to initiate such a platform during my tenure, but with that development I must urge continued commitment to dialogue and collaboration among Local governments.” Alabi said.