LAGOS — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, have called on political leaders to uphold democratic values, strengthen party structures, embrace patriotism and place Nigeria’s interest above personal ambition as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The trio made the call on Sunday while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum of State Chairmen, led by its Chairman and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, during separate meetings at the Governor’s Marina residence, the Deputy Governor’s residence in Ikoyi and the Oniru Palace in Victoria Island.
The APC state chairmen were in Lagos on a three-day strategic visit to review key infrastructure projects and chart a course for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The leaders also unanimously expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that he deserves a second term to consolidate ongoing reforms and fully implement his long-term development agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the APC chairmen to remain steadfast in strengthening the party and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians, noting that President Tinubu had taken bold decisions to stabilise the economy, reform critical sectors and strengthen national institutions despite prevailing challenges.
Deputy Governor Hamzat stressed that continuity in leadership was essential to delivering the full benefits of the administration’s policies, arguing that many of Tinubu’s transformational initiatives were designed to produce long-term results.
He urged elected public office holders to maintain close ties with the party, stressing that political parties remain the foundation of democratic governance.
“You cannot be a candidate for any election unless you are a member of a political party. It is important that every elected official understands the significance and value of our party,” Hamzat said.
The deputy governor encouraged APC state chairmen to sustain regular engagement with governors and elected officials, offering constructive advice that would deepen good governance and strengthen the party nationwide.
He also urged the forum to share experiences and learn from successful governance models across Nigerian states and other African countries.
Hamzat praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, saying many politicians aspiring to lead Nigeria lacked the foresight required to transform the country.
According to him, Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style encourages innovation and allows superior ideas to flourish irrespective of their source.
Reflecting on Tinubu’s legacy as Governor of Lagos State, Hamzat highlighted landmark initiatives such as the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Eko Atlantic City, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, describing them as enduring examples of strategic planning aimed at industrialisation, improved connectivity and sustainable economic growth.
He maintained that investments in transport and road infrastructure were critical to attracting local and foreign investors, boosting commerce and creating jobs.
Calling for greater patriotism, Hamzat urged political leaders to pursue policies that would benefit future generations rather than personal interests.
“As a country, we must make sure we build our nation. We must not fail our young citizens. Political leaders must put Nigeria’s interests above personal ambitions,” he said.
At the Oniru Palace, Oba Gbolahan Lawal appealed to APC members to remain united and committed to the party’s ideals ahead of the 2027 elections.
The monarch expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, saying his administration still had much to offer Nigeria and deserved the support of party members to continue implementing its developmental programmes.
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC Forum of State Chairmen, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said the delegation’s visit to Lagos was aimed at strengthening internal party cohesion, exchanging ideas and strategising for the successful outing of the APC in the 2027 general elections.
