Following the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday local government elections, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday congratulated the party, saying  the development was an affirmation that Lagosians have confidence in the party.
The APC clinched all 57 chairmanship seats in the 20 local government and 37 local councils development area, following results declared by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). The party defeated its rivals in the keenly contested elections.
Governor Ambode, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the development was not just a victory for democracy but the people at the grassroots, who he said would experience continuity with improvement in terms of dividends of democracy.
The governor said it was particularly gratifying that the party emerged victorious in all the positions not only for the chairmanship positions but also the councillorship.
“This victory for us is nothing more than a confirmation of the trust that Lagosians have placed on the party. In that regard, I like to congratulate our great party, the APC for the landslide victory at the Saturday’s election in all the 57 councils.
“I particularly note with joy the peaceful conduct of electorates who came out to exercise their franchise in favour of their preferred candidates despite the heavy rain. This is, indeed, a welcome development and it will go a long way to strengthen our resolve to push ahead with our vision to transform the local government system, being the closest to the people.
“I am also happy that we are conducting the local government election during my time after almost six years that the election was last held in the state,” the governor said.
Congratulating LASIEC for the success of the election, Ambode said the outcome of the election was a demonstrable evidence that the people have keyed into his vision to evolve participatory governance, especially at the local level, just as he assured his administration would not relent in promoting good governance both at the state and local government levels.
“I also like to congratulate LASIEC and all Lagosians for the success of the elections which is reassuring about the culture of participatory democracy we are building in the state. It is on record that Lagosians comported themselves peacefully before, during and after the period of the elections and this confirms the readiness of the people to support us all the way in our bid to truly take Lagos State to greater heights.
“On our part, we shall continue to work assiduously to move the state forward and make life better and comfortable for the people,” Governor Ambode assured.
He, however, urged those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resort to self-help.