The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a 1,235-member campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections, charging members to unite, mobilise voters and aggressively communicate the achievements of the APC-led governments to the electorate.
The campaign council was inaugurated on Friday at the APC State Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, with former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, appointed as Director-General.
The inauguration brought together senior party leaders, former governors and deputy governors, former council chairmen, elected officials, candidates and other party stakeholders across Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the APC governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, urged party members to campaign confidently on the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the APC-led government in Lagos.
Hamzat said the party had a strong record to present to voters, particularly in the areas of economic reforms, security and infrastructure.
“We should be proud of our candidates because the president has done a lot for the country. We should not be afraid to go out and campaign,” he said.
He challenged the campaign council to mobilise at least 3.5 million votes for the APC in Lagos, noting that the state had about 7.5 million registered voters.
“We have registered 7.5 million people in Lagos; therefore, we must target at least 3.5 million votes,” Hamzat said.
The APC candidate urged members to put aside internal disagreements and present a united front, stressing that the campaign should focus on the party’s record rather than distractions.
According to him, Lagos needs experienced leadership and should not be subjected to what he described as “trial and error”.
“We must take each other as one and as members of a party that is moving the state and country forward. We are not fighting; we are mobilising to ensure victory is assured,” he said.
Hamzat also called on party members to work for all APC candidates contesting the Senate, House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections.
OJELABI DIRECTS CANDIDATES TO REMAIN IN NIGERIA
The APC Lagos State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, disclosed that the campaign council comprises 20 directorates, with responsibilities covering the senatorial districts and local government areas across the state.
Ojelabi directed all candidates contesting the 2027 elections on the APC platform to remain in Nigeria until after the elections, urging them to cooperate fully with the campaign council.
«“To our candidates, cooperate with the campaign council and make yourself available. After today’s inauguration, no candidate is allowed to travel outside the country until after the general elections,” he said.
He stressed the importance of discipline, accountability and clearly defined reporting lines within the campaign structure, warning members against actions that could create confusion.
“The responsibility placed on you is enormous; therefore, let us respect institutional responsibilities and respect the law and democratic process,” Ojelabi said.
The party chairman explained that most campaign activities would be decentralised to the senatorial districts and local government areas, rather than being concentrated solely at the state level.
He urged members of the council to understand their respective responsibilities, respect the chain of command and ensure effective coordination throughout the campaign.
Ojelabi also appealed to APC members to conduct their campaigns peacefully, focusing on issues and the party’s programmes rather than personal attacks, violence or rancour.
He said the APC must uphold democratic values and comply with Nigeria’s electoral laws throughout the campaign.
OBANIKORO: 2027 CAMPAIGN REQUIRES UNITY, COMMITMENT
The Director-General of the Lagos APC Campaign Council, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, described the assignment as a serious responsibility requiring discipline, commitment and collective action.
Obanikoro cautioned members against treating their appointments as ceremonial, urging them to put personal grievances and past disappointments aside in the interest of the party.
“Today we commit our future to our hands. Today marks the beginning of a serious assignment. The 2027 elections demand discipline and absolute commitment from all of us,” he said.
He added: “This is the time to put personal grievances and disappointment behind us. Whatever might have happened in the past, the responsibility before us is bigger than that.”
Obanikoro called for sustained engagement with communities across Lagos, stressing that every directorate must function effectively.
«“Every community must be engaged and, above all, unity must be our strength. Let us approach this assignment with discipline and common purpose,” he said.»
He expressed confidence in the APC’s political structure in Lagos, noting that President Tinubu’s leadership at the federal level and Hamzat’s candidacy would form important elements of the party’s campaign.
“There is no state that is as lucky as we are in Lagos State. And there is no party that is as lucky as the APC. We have one of us as the president of the country,” Obanikoro said.
He described Hamzat as “the most prepared individual” to seek the governorship of Lagos and said the campaign council would work towards securing at least three million votes for the APC.
Representing the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Pa Tajudeen Olusi, former Lagos Deputy Governor and GAC member, Pa Abiodun Ogunleye, also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to govern Lagos.
Ogunleye said Hamzat’s competence and character would help sustain the development of the state, urging members of the campaign council to work diligently towards the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
“This is the sign of success. We know that our next governor is competent to handle Lagos properly. With his character, there is no doubt that the state will perform just as the party will progress,” he said.
The inauguration marked the formal commencement of the Lagos APC campaign structure, with the party leadership charging its members and candidates to work collectively, engage communities across the state and adhere to the rules governing the electoral process.
