In a well-attended political gathering at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Honourable Tolulope Phillips made his official declaration to join the party, marking the occasion with a heartfelt birthday celebration and a passionate call to action for grassroots political engagement.
Addressing party faithfuls from across Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Hon. Phillips emphasized the foundational role of ward meetings in shaping political consciousness and fostering unity. “Politics is local,” he declared, his voice rising with conviction. “It is from home that we bring out good behaviours. If we are serious about change, it must begin at the ward level.”
He implored members to commit to consistent participation across all 15 wards, saying, “If it was 300 people attending before, we want 600, 700 now. As you wear your caps here today, wear them to your ward meetings too. Let your presence be felt.”
Phillips also announced immediate empowerment for select members, with a promise of more to come. “We are going to empower some members here today,” he said, “but we’re not stopping here. We’ll return to the wards and do more. No announcements, no fanfare—just be present. We don’t want to hear that some people are of TP or just joined us. Be there from the beginning.”
He urged loyalty to local leadership, stressing that obedience and unity were key to achieving collective goals. “Listen to your executives and leaders at home,” he advised. “That’s how we’ll reach the promised land together.”
Reflecting on his departure from his former party, Phillips didn’t mince words. “Leaving that party I was before was like escaping a hive of curses,” he said. “They were doing different things to themselves—confusion, division. They cannot go anywhere again. But the APC, from the top to the last, is a party of structure and purpose.”
The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Hon. Farouq Adeniyi Akintunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, who praised the governor’s performance and welcomed Phillips’ declaration as a positive development. “This is not a loss,” Akintunde said. “It’s a gain for the party and the people.”
Former Abeokuta South Chairman, Chief Akeem Odejimi, congratulated Phillips and encouraged him to emulate the generosity and commitment of Senator Yayi. “Take a cue from Yayi’s good gestures,” he said. “The people are watching.”
Chief Tajudeen Lemgboye, also a former chairman, offered prayers for Phillips’ success and confirmed that both the governor and the state party chairman were aware of his declaration.
The atmosphere was charged with optimism as ward leaders and councillors were formally introduced, and dozens of ward members received cash empowerment of ₦20,000 each.
“Today is not just about me joining APC. It’s about all of us choosing to build something better. I am humbled, I am grateful, and I am ready. Let’s go back to our wards and make history.” Philips Declares.
