The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly declared its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu to seek a second term in office in 2027. This pivotal decision emerged from a high-powered APC stakeholders’ forum held on Tuesday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where hundreds of party members, leaders, and loyalists converged to endorse the president.

The significant event was attended by prominent political figures, including former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, alongside the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Other key attendees included Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; members of the APC National and State Working Committees; federal cabinet members; lawmakers; council chairmen; and respected traditional, religious, and youth leaders, underscoring the broad consensus within the party.

The motion to endorse President Tinubu for another term was formally moved by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, who unequivocally stated, “We endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go for the second time. So I move.” The motion was swiftly seconded by Speaker Obasa, who affirmed, “In view of the submissions made by all the stakeholders and the motion just moved by our Royal Majesty of Ikorodu, I do hereby second the motion of my colleagues from Lagos State, our assembly, and the people of Lagos State. I so second.” Both men praised the president’s performance in office and urged Lagos APC members to commence immediate mobilization for his re-election campaign.

Governor Sanwo-Olu articulated the collective sentiment, stating, “Our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was once the 12th governor of Lagos State. We have listened to all of our stakeholders here today, and all have come to the conclusion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should return as our president in 2027.” He further added that this resolution reflected the unanimous will of Lagos APC members and expressed confidence that the message would resonate effectively with the president and across the nation.

Deputy Governor Hamzat lauded Tinubu’s administration as one distinguished by “courage, vision, and commitment to national transformation.” He passionately advocated for continuity, asserting that the country’s progress hinged on building upon the significant gains already achieved under Tinubu’s leadership—driven by renewed hope, productive governance, and economic recovery. “As loyal members of the APC family in Lagos State, we endorse and support the leadership at the federal level for a second term,” Hamzat declared, urging members to serve as ambassadors, mobilize, sensitize, and encourage others to stand firmly behind their leaders for greater prosperity. He also took the opportunity to highlight the transformative achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration through its THEMES+ agenda, positioning Lagos as a “model of excellence and a beacon of good governance.”

In a thought-provoking lecture titled “Voter Apathy and the Sanctity of Election in Nigeria’s Budding Democracy,” former Governor Babatunde Fashola expressed concerns over the party’s declining voter turnout despite increasing voter registration numbers. He emphasized the critical need for the party to introspect and identify the underlying reasons for this trend, particularly noting a decline in voter enthusiasm within the party’s traditional strongholds. Fashola reminded attendees that Lagos State historically led the party in total vote count, but these numbers had significantly dropped. He posed a crucial question: “We are facing increasing voter registration and decreasing voter turnout. I think that is not good for us. We should interrogate why the turnout is decreasing. We used to be the state that led the party in total votes. What has happened? Why has the vote dropped?” He stressed the urgency for the party to re-strategize, engage citizens, especially the youth and reignite enthusiasm for political participation.

Responding to mobilization challenges, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, unveiled a series of incentives aimed at boosting grassroots participation. These included a ₦1 million reward for the best-mobilizing polling unit, ₦5 million for the top-performing ward, and a substantial ₦20 million for the best-performing local government area. Ojelabi commended party members for their dedication and loyalty, pledging to deepen grassroots involvement and actively mobilize the youth. He also announced the refund of nomination fees paid by aspirants in the last local government elections, urging members to redouble their efforts at the grassroots level and participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise. “The journey to a successful 2027 election begins now. Let’s mobilize more people to register and play active roles in governance,” he charged, setting the tone for future electoral efforts.

The forum also featured various federal cabinet members and lawmakers who meticulously listed President Tinubu’s significant achievements across multiple sectors since assuming office on May 29, 2023—reinforcing the party’s rationale for seeking his re-election. The collective resolve of the Lagos APC chapter solidified its commitment to ensuring the continuity of progressive leadership and driving widespread support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term.