…57 Lagos council chairmen reaffirm backing for President, party
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 36 states of the federation have converged on Lagos, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state chairmen, who are in Lagos for a three-day visit, were hosted at a welcome dinner in Victoria Island on Friday by the Lagos State APC Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
Addressing the gathering, Ojelabi urged party leaders to consolidate the APC’s structures at the grassroots and remain committed to the progressive ideals upon which the party was founded.
He described the meeting as more than a social gathering, saying it provided an opportunity to celebrate the party’s shared history, strengthen internal bonds and renew its collective purpose.
According to him, the responsibility of state chairmen extends beyond political administration.
“We are custodians of the party’s structures. We are builders of consensus. We are promoters of internal harmony. We are the bridge between our national leadership and millions of committed members across the wards and local governments of Nigeria,” he said.
Ojelabi said the APC’s strength lies in the quality of its leadership, the vitality of its grassroots structures, the discipline of its members and the confidence Nigerians continue to place in the party’s progressive philosophy.
“Our duty is not merely to prepare for elections but to nurture enduring institutions, mentor emerging leaders, deepen internal democracy and sustain the trust of the Nigerian people,” he added.
He said Nigeria’s journey of renewal was continuing under President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as a bold effort to address longstanding national challenges.
Ojelabi also commended the National Working Committee led by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and assured the party’s national leadership of the continued support and cooperation of the state chairmen.
He praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the state’s progressive legacy through investments in infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, technology and human capital development.
The Lagos APC chairman also appreciated Conference 57, the umbrella body of local government chairmen in Lagos State, for hosting the dinner, describing grassroots leadership as the foundation of every successful political institution.
He acknowledged the contributions of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, commissioners, party executives, elders, women and youth groups to the growth of the APC.
“May this gathering renew our friendships, deepen our collaboration and strengthen our resolve to continue building an All Progressives Congress that remains the preferred platform for good governance, democratic consolidation and national development,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Conference 57, Sesan Olowa, reaffirmed the support of the 57 local government and local council development area chairmen in Lagos for the APC, President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Olowa urged party leaders to continue strengthening the APC from the grassroots while sustaining support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the governor’s development vision for Lagos State.
He described the gathering as an avenue to strengthen relationships among party leaders and reinforce the unity required for the party’s continued success.
“Your attendance reflects the enduring spirit of unity, mutual respect and shared purpose that has continued to define the All Progressives Congress since its inception,” he said.
Olowa stressed that building and sustaining the party remained a collective responsibility.
“We must continue to strengthen the All Progressives Congress from the grassroots, remain united in purpose and continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the developmental vision of our leader in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said.
He urged party leaders to continue earning public confidence through purposeful leadership and good governance, noting that meaningful engagement among party leaders remains essential to strengthening both the APC and Nigeria’s democratic process.
