Why We Dumped APC For APM - Agege Aspirants, Say Mudasiru Obasa Has Nothing To Do With It

A former Chairman of the Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ganiyu Egunjobi, and a former aspirant in Agege Constituency II, Azeez Yusuf, have dismissed reports linking their defection from the All Progressives Congress to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa.

The duo said this in a statement they jointly signed and made available to Lagos Today Extra!,.

The duo, who contested the tickets of the All Progressives Congress for Agege Constituencies I and II respectively, emerged as candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement on Thursday.

Their defection came after an APC primary in which Egunjobi’s former Vice-Chairman, Glenga Abiola, was declared the winner of the Agege Constituency I ticket.

Likewise, Yusuf had lost the primary ticket to Sakiru Enimakure.

However, the former APC members who insisted on their victory at the primaries have clarified the misleading report that Obasa was behind their exit from the party.

They noted that the decision was carefully considered independently.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa had no hand whatsoever in our decision to leave the APC and contest under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). The decision was entirely ours and was taken independently after careful consideration of our experiences within the party,” the statement partly read.

While stating that they showed loyalty to the APC structure in the Agege LGA, despite “political challenges,” they were later confronted with “grave injustice.”

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

They maintained that party defections were typical in the Nigerian political space, saying the movement “from one political party to another was not unusual in Nigerian politics,” citing “former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, who is now Director-General of the governorship campaign of the APC candidate, Obafemi Hamzat,” as an example.

“What is the issue with our decision to leave? Obanikoro once left the party and was even openly critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We did not leave then. We remained, strengthened the party and contributed to its growth. We had never contemplated leaving until we were confronted with what we considered grave injustice,” they claimed.

The duo lamented their disappointment at the leadership of the APC as it “failed to initiate any meaningful reconciliation effort after the disputed primaries.”

The former APC aspirants “maintained that their decision to join the APM was, therefore, “a direct consequence of what they described as the denial of their mandates.”

According to the statement, Egunjobi and Yusuf made internal efforts within the APC by “submitting petitions and seeking redress, but were disappointed that the leadership did not invite them for reconciliation or provide a satisfactory resolution to their complaints.”

The statement noted that their “defection should, therefore, not be interpreted as a move engineered.” Rather, it was a decision they took “after considering their experience within the APC and the failure to resolve the dispute over the primary elections.”

  

Read More

Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Ambode Named In Lagos APC Campaign Council

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has released the structure of its campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections, listing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode.

The Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre published the list on Thursday.

According to the list, Prince Tajudeen Olusi will serve as Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, while Sanwo-Olu is listed as Advisory Council Chairman. Fashola and Ambode are named as Co-Chairmen.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Other members of the advisory structure include the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and former Minister of Health, Adeleke Mamora.

At the campaign council level, Sanwo-Olu is listed as Chairman, with his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as Deputy Chairman.

The council also names Ojelabi Cornelius as Vice Chairman I, Obasa as Vice Chairman II and Damilola Sonayon James as Vice Chairman III.

Former Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is listed as Director-General, while Rasaq Ajala is named Deputy Director-General and Adekunle Olayinka as Campaign Secretary.

The council has various directorates and sub-committees covering areas including legal and compliance, party and inter-party affairs, administration and logistics, traditional institutions, diaspora engagement and residents’ associations.

The formal inauguration of the council members was held on Friday, September 18, at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

  

Read More

Jide Kosoko, Eniola Badmus, Toyin Abraham, Other Celebrities Named In APC Lagos Campaign Council

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, Fuji musicians Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abass Akande Obesere and Adewale Ayuba, and Nollywood stars Toyin Abraham, Eniola Badmus

and Bimbo Akintola are among dozens of entertainment industry figures named to the All Progressives Congress Lagos State Campaign Council’s Entertainment

and Creative Economy Directorate.

The directorate is contained in the full list of the campaign council released by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre on Thursday, ahead of the council’s

inauguration on Friday, September 18, at the APC Secretariat, ACME Road, Ikeja.

According to the list, Toke Benson-Awoyinka will serve as Director of the directorate, with Kosoko as Co-Director and actress Badmus as Deputy Director.

Akeem Alimi, popularly known as Ajala Jalingo, is listed as Secretary, and Dare Olateju as Assistant Secretary.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

Other members drawn from the Yoruba movie industry include veteran actor Oga Bello (Adebayo Salami), Saheed Balogun, Bukky Wright, Fathia Balogun, Yinka

Quadri and Tayo Sobola.

The Fuji music sector is also well represented, with Pasuma, Obesere, Ayuba, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle (Malaika), Akorede Babatunde Okunola (Osupa) and Temitope

Adekunle (Small Doctor) all listed as members.

The directorate is one of several structures under the campaign council, which lists Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chairman and Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as

Deputy Chairman.

  

Read More

2027: SWAGA Regroups In Lagos, Begins Massive Mobilisation For Tinubu, Hamzat

A group of former lawmakers from the South-West under the aegis of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) are set to converge in Lagos to officially launch what they term “Lagos SWAGA 2.0”, a platform under which they hope to campaign for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group has also expressed its resolve to campaign for the election of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, to succeed incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu come 2027.

Prior to the election of President Tinubu in 2023, SWAGA was the first pressure political support group that endorsed him.

With the 2027 presidential election less than six months away, SWAGA said it is ready to engage in an effective and massive re-election campaign for the President.

A statement issued by the chairman of the Steering Committee of SWAGA, Afis Olaseinde Kasumu, stated that the formal inauguration of the group’s Zonal, Local Government (LG), and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) structures will take place at the Eko FM Multi-Purpose Hall, LTV Compound, Coca-Cola Bus Stop, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

According to the statement, the initiative is tagged “LAGOS SWAGA 2.0: Consolidating Grassroots Mobilisation and Deepening Political Engagements for The RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.” This pivotal event marks a strategic expansion of the movement’s footprint across Lagos State.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The statement also added that the initiative aims to solidify political structures at the foundational level, ensuring that the progressive ideals and achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda are effectively communicated and felt by every citizen at the grassroots.

“Since its inception, SWAGA has been at the forefront of championing visionary leadership and political inclusion. Building upon the monumental successes of its initial phases, SWAGA 2.0 shifts its focus towards deepening community engagement, fostering inclusive governance, and creating a unified front ahead of future political milestones,” the statement reads.

Expected to chair the event is the Lagos State chairman, Hon Mosuru Owolabi, as well as other notables such as Hon Funmilayo Tejuoso as well as Hon Remi Adebowale, a former special adviser, civic engagement to the Lagos State governor.

The major highlight of the event will feature the official swearing-in of newly appointed zonal coordinators and local administrators comprising past legislators both in Lagos State and at the federal level.

The statement further added that important stakeholders such as serving and past federal and state functionaries

“These leaders will be charged with driving the movement’s advocacy, mobilising communities and serving as the direct link between the leadership and the electorate across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos State.

“Political leaders, party stalwarts, community influencers, and grassroots mobilisers from across the South-West region are expected to grace the occasion. Members of the press are cordially invited to cover this event.”

  

Read More

Lagos APC Begins Governorship, Assembly Campaign, Targets Grassroots Mobilisation

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced its campaign for the governorship and House of Assembly elections, with the party leadership directing its structures across the state to intensify grassroots mobilisation.

In a statement signed by Ayaba Omobola Akingbehin, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Publicity to the Lagos State APC Chairman, the party said the campaign marked a new phase in its preparations for the forthcoming elections.

The campaign, formally launched under the leadership of the state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is expected to take the APC’s message to voters across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Ojelabi said the party would centre its campaign on continuity, consolidation, renewed progress and victory, while highlighting its record in government and plans for the future of Lagos.

He said the APC was entering the campaign with a strong grassroots structure and a clear understanding of the importance of the elections to the continued development of the state.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

According to him, the election presents Lagosians with an opportunity to sustain the state’s current trajectory of development and progress.

Ojelabi also underscored the political legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership and progressive political tradition had played a defining role in the evolution of Lagos politics and governance.

He said the party would engage communities, wards, local governments, traditional institutions, professional groups, women and youth organisations, market associations and other stakeholders as part of its mobilisation strategy.

“From Alimosho to Epe, Badagry to Ikorodu, and Lagos Island to Ikeja, our mobilisation machinery will be fully activated to ensure that our message reaches every segment of Lagos,” he said.

The chairman urged party leaders and members to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation, stressing that the APC was determined to secure a decisive victory at the polls.

“We are not campaigning merely to participate. We are campaigning to win and continue the work of building a stronger and more prosperous Lagos,” Ojelabi said.

He called on party members and supporters to remain united, disciplined and focused throughout the campaign, noting that every ward, community and vote would be important to the outcome of the elections.

Ojelabi further assured Lagosians that the campaign would be issue-driven and focused on the aspirations of the people, while respecting democratic values, the electoral process and relevant laws.

He called on Lagosians who believe in continuity, stability, development and progressive governance to support the APC as it seeks a renewed mandate to lead the state.

Reiterating the party’s determination to win the elections, he declared: “The work must continue. The gains must be protected. The mandate must be renewed.”

  

Read More

Tinubu Support Group Kicks Off 2027 Campaign With 3,000-Man Walk In Lagos

The PBAT Door-To-Door Movement, Southwest, is scheduled to begin its campaign for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections with a 3,000-man Posterity Walk in Lagos.

The walk, scheduled to take place at the Lagos Television premises in Agidingbi, Ikeja, is expected to bring together supporters, stakeholders and other residents from across the Southwest as the group begins its grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s second term.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Zonal Secretary of the movement, Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, said the event was intended to demonstrate the group’s support for the President while mobilising voters across the region ahead of the presidential election.

“We are excited to announce the official flag-off of our campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election.

“As we gear up for this critical electoral period, we are committed to mobilising support and ensuring that the vision and progress initiated by President Tinubu continue to flourish,” the statement read in part.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The group said the Posterity Walk would serve as a public demonstration of its commitment to Tinubu’s administration and its ambition to build a stronger grassroots support base across the six states of the South-West.

It added, “The Posterity Walk symbolises our unity and determination to support a leader who has consistently prioritised the welfare and development of our nation.

“Together, we will march in solidarity, showcasing our unwavering belief in President Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria into a prosperous future,” it said.

Participants have been urged to attend the event with banners and posters as the movement seeks to draw attention to what it described as the administration’s efforts towards economic growth, good governance and national unity.

The mobilisation comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties, support groups and political organisations across the country increasingly positioning themselves for the presidential contest.

Tinubu, who was elected President in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, is seeking a second four-year term in 2027.

His administration has, however, faced criticism from opposition parties and sections of the public over economic hardship, inflation and the impact of reforms, while supporters argue that the reforms are necessary to reposition the economy for long-term growth.

The South-West remains politically significant to Tinubu, who is from Lagos State and has maintained a strong political base in the region.

The PBAT Door-To-Door Movement said the walk would mark the beginning of a sustained grassroots mobilisation campaign and called on its supporters to participate actively in efforts to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

  

Read More

Lagos PDP Condemns Wike’s Remarks Against Bode George

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing his recent remarks against party chieftain Olabode George as “baseless, reckless and ignorant.”

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by the Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo, the party accused the minister of making unfounded allegations against George and urged him to focus on his responsibilities in the FCT rather than engaging in what it described as political attacks.

The party defended George’s record, insisting that he had been exonerated by the Supreme Court over allegations relating to his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board. It accused Wike of disregarding judicial decisions whenever they did not align with his political interests.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The statement also faulted Wike’s comments regarding George’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, describing them as an abuse of office and an unwarranted intrusion into the private affairs of a citizen.

According to the PDP, Wike had no connection to the property and should not use his position as FCT minister to intimidate or target 

private individuals

. It further alleged that the minister had a history of overstepping his authority and interfering in matters outside his official responsibilities.

On Lagos politics, the party accused Wike of lacking an understanding of the state’s political history. It maintained that George played a significant role in the PDP’s electoral successes in the South while serving as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South), adding that Wike was politically less influential at the time.

The statement also referenced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he had previously acknowledged the role internal party dynamics played in the PDP’s electoral fortunes in Lagos.

The Lagos PDP further accused Wike of political inconsistency, alleging that he had fallen out with several former political associates, including Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and Goodluck Jonathan.

It argued that Wike had developed a reputation for political confrontations and suggested that his current relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of political convenience.

The party called on the minister to refrain from making further remarks against George, urging him instead to concentrate on administering the Federal Capital Territory.

“Focus on your responsibilities in the FCT and stop dragging Chief Bode George into political controversies,” the statement said.

  

Read More

The Presence Of Lagos CP At City Boy Movement's Inauguration In Lagos Was For Security, Not For Political Endorsement - Bashir Ahmad

The City Boy Movement has addressed the attendance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at their Lagos chapter inauguration.

Following criticism on social media, National Director, Media Monitoring & Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, Bashir Ahmad, issued a press statement on Wednesday to explain why CP Fatai attended the event.

Ahmad defended the commissioner’s attendance at their Lagos chapter inauguration, arguing it was for standard security duties rather than political endorsement.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

“The attention of the City Boy Movement has been drawn to comments, reports and public commentary seeking to attach political significance to the attendance of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, at the inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s Lagos State Chapter,” he wrote in a post on his official X account.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the mere presence of the Commissioner of Police at a public event should not, without more, be interpreted as political endorsement, partisan participation or institutional alignment with the organisers of that event.”

Ahmad stressed that public officers, particularly those charged with maintaining law and order, regularly attend or deploy personnel to public gatherings in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

According to him, such responsibilities extend to political, civic, religious, professional, educational and community events where security considerations require their presence or supervision.

He pointed out that their attendance at such events, standing alone, does not constitute support for, affiliation with or endorsement of any organisation or cause.

“The constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force include the preservation of public peace, the protection of lives and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of law and order during lawful public assemblies,” Ahmad stated.

“These responsibilities are owed equally to all persons and organisations without discrimination and should not be misconstrued as evidence of institutional bias or political preference.

“Accordingly, it is neither fair nor accurate to infer, solely from the Commissioner’s attendance, that the Nigeria Police Force has taken a partisan position or abandoned its obligation of professional neutrality. Public institutions should be assessed on the basis of objective facts rather than conjecture or speculation.”

Ahmad said the City Boy Movement respects the constitutional role and institutional independence of all security agencies, therefore, they neither seek nor expect preferential treatment from any agency of government.

Like every law-abiding organisation, he said he expects only that the lawful activities of the movement will continue to enjoy the protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other applicable laws.

“We equally acknowledge and appreciate the professional security arrangements that ensured the peaceful, orderly and incident-free conduct of the inauguration. Professional policing contributes significantly to public confidence in democratic institutions and facilitates the exercise of citizens’ constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly,” Ahmad said.

“We therefore urge members of the public, stakeholders and commentators to exercise restraint, promote factual discourse and refrain from attributing partisan motives where no credible evidence exists. Responsible public commentary strengthens democratic institutions, whereas speculation and misinformation unnecessarily undermine public confidence in institutions established to serve all Nigerians.

“The City Boy Movement remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, responsible political participation, respect for the rule of law, and constructive nation-building in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement addresses backlash from viral videos and opposition criticism by stressing police neutrality obligations and urging factual discourse over speculation about institutional bias.

City Boy Movement is a youth-led pro-Tinubu group founded by the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, focused on grassroots mobilization, youth empowerment, and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

  

Read More

APC Has Failed And APM Is The Credible Alternative - Party's Lagos Governorship Candidate, Prince Laja Adeoye, As Party Begins Grassroots Mobilization Drive In The State

The Lagos state governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Prince Laja Adeoye has condemned the APC’s handling of affairs of governance at both the federal and state levels, saying the APM is the only credible and viable party to rescue the country in 2027. Prince Laja Adeoye  made this known shortly after the party uploaded his name as its Lagos state governorship candidate on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, an event that marked a significant step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party said the upload makes Adeoye the first governorship aspirant in Lagos State to be formally registered on the INEC portal ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.

Adeoye’s running mate, Coker Oluwatobi Adeyemi Grace, was also uploaded on the portal, according to a statement issued following a strategic working visit by the Lagos APM leadership to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

The delegation was led by the Lagos State Chairman of the party, Mrs. Bunmi Adeyemo, and the Coordinator of the Laja Adeoye Campaign Organisation (LACO), Otunba S. Alebiosu. Other party officials present included the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary, Oyo State Chairman, Director of Information and Communication Technology, and the Kwara State Chairman.

According to the statement, discussions during the meeting centred on the party’s progress in Lagos State and strategies for strengthening its electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking after the upload, Adeoye said Nigerians were increasingly seeking an alternative to the current political leadership across the country.

He said the APM was positioning itself as a credible option for voters dissatisfied with the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Nigerians are yearning for a new beginning, a decisive change of government at the centre, in Lagos State and across the federation, to end the continued mis-governance of the APC. The APM is the credible alternative Nigerians need now,” he said.

Adeoye is expected to contest against the APC candidate, with incumbent Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat widely projected as a leading contender for the party’s ticket.

The party also disclosed that it had uploaded Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as its presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, describing him and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, as part of a team of “credible and widely accepted” leaders working under the national leadership of Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantale.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Forum of Local Government Chairmen of the party pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state as part of plans to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the elections.

In a communiqué signed by the Forum Chairman, Olanrewaju Ayinde, the party resolved to embark on aggressive membership recruitment, voter mobilisation and consolidation of party structures across the state’s 20 local government areas, 37 local council development areas, wards and polling units.

The forum expressed confidence in Adeoye’s candidacy, describing him as a credible alternative for Lagos and commending his efforts to expand the party’s presence in the state.

Adeoye said his governorship bid would be anchored on the “Atunto Eko Agenda,” a policy framework aimed at addressing governance, economic and social challenges facing Lagos residents.

According to him, the agenda focuses on economic prosperity, accountable governance, security, youth empowerment and infrastructural renewal across the state.

He said the blueprint prioritises job creation for graduates, support for market women and artisans, affordable healthcare, and efforts to tackle transportation and housing challenges.

“Lagos deserves a government that works for everyone, not just a few. Atunto Eko is about transparency, inclusion and delivering results that Lagosians can feel in their pockets,” Adeoye stated.

The party said it would continue to expand its support base across Lagos and other parts of the country under the campaign slogans #Laja4ResetLagos2027 and #SeyiMakinde4President, as it seeks to position itself as an alternative platform in the 2027 elections.

  

Read More

Real Reason Tinubu Lost Lagos To Peter Obi In 2023 - Obanikoro

Why Tinubu lost Lagos in 2023 election – Obanikoro

A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has revealed why President Bola Tinubu was defeated in Lagos State  during the2023 presidential

election.

Obanikoro revealed that the defeat was caused by concerns over the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

He made the claim during an interview on Mic On, a podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, which was posted online on Sunday.

 

ADVERTORIAL

For detailed information on our editing services, please see inside

 

According to him, many voters were apprehensive about what a Muslim-Muslim presidency would mean for Christians, a perception he said ultimately worked

against Tinubu in Lagos.

“Let me tell you, what defeated us in Lagos was the Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Peter Obi. People were afraid because they didn’t know what Tinubu’s presidency

will look like.

“People thought it was a situation where the Christian in Nigeria would be relegated, and that has been defeated because Tinubu is a Muslim, but he is

not a religious bigot that will carry one religion over another.

“His wife is a pastor. His son, Seyi is a Christian. He was born a Muslim. He became a Christian. Most of the people in his cabinet are Christians,” he

said.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC ahead of the 2023 presidential election generated widespread debate after Tinubu picked former Borno State

Governor Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate.

While the APC defended the decision as being based on competence and electoral strategy, critics argued it failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.

In the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Tinubu suffered a surprise defeat in Lagos, his political stronghold, losing to Labour Party candidate

Peter Obi, marking the first time the former Lagos governor lost a presidential election in the state widely regarded as his political base.

Despite the Lagos result, Tinubu went on to win the presidential election nationwide and was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.

  

Read More

2027: Shun All Forms Of Electoral Violence - Oba Akiolu Urges Youths

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The monarch made the appeal on Saturday when he received members of the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen, led by the forum’s chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, during a courtesy visit to his palace at Iga-Idungaran in Lagos.

Akiolu urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment violence, stressing that peaceful elections remain critical to the country’s democratic development.

He also called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct their activities in accordance with the law before, during and after the elections.

According to the monarch, the nation’s youths have a significant role to play in promoting peace, unity and national development through responsible participation in the electoral process.

He also appealed to APC state chairmen to demonstrate honesty, integrity and selfless leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that national development depends on leaders who place public interest above personal gain.

The traditional ruler expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to remain patient with the administration as it implements economic and governance reforms.

“Be patient with President Bola Tinubu as he implements reform programmes for the country to get better. President Tinubu means well for Nigerians and is grassroots-focused,” Akiolu said.

He maintained that the President had taken bold decisions aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening national institutions, expressing confidence that the reforms would yield positive results if given sufficient time.

Akiolu also predicted victory for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying he believed the President would secure another mandate if allowed to complete his reform agenda.

The monarch further urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President, as well as for peace, unity and stability across the country, while acknowledging the prevailing economic and security challenges facing the nation.

He condemned vote-buying and the growing monetisation of politics, warning that such practices undermine democracy and the credibility of elections. He also encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in future elections.

Akiolu equally appealed to journalists to uphold professional ethics by reporting accurately and responsibly, saying balanced journalism contributes to national peace and development.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said party leaders across the country were working to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

Tenebe said APC state chairmen had resolved to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s administration and improve the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

He disclosed that the party in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for the President in the next presidential election, attributing the optimism to what he described as the developmental efforts of both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government.

He thanked the Oba of Lagos for receiving the delegation and for offering prayers, expressing confidence that the monarch’s blessings would encourage party members as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

  

Read More