2027: Win Lagos for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, Yilwatda, Ojelabi task APC chieftains

•Target 5m votes •Party launches ‘Operation Deliver Your Polling Unit’ 

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Lagos party chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, have charged leaders, chieftains and members of the party in Lagos State to deliver the state for President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as Lagos State governor and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for steadfast unity, resilience, and aggressive grassroots mobilization ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

​Yilwatda, Sanwo-Olu, Ojelabi,  gave the charge yestyerday, at a one-day retreat for party leaders and senior members of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The retreat was themed: “One Roof, One Tent, One Friend, One Shared Responsibility,” with Yilwatda stressing the need for one team working towards a common mission.

“When we say we have one team, we simply mean that every leader, every appointee, every party structure must walk towards the bigger mission and vision of the party to win an election.

“Anything outside that is personal interest. No single individual, regardless of how influential, can win an election,” he said. 

He said he came to Lagos for two strategic reasons – its status as the state with the highest number of registered voters and the party’s loss of the state in the last presidential election. 

“Lagos has over 7 million registered voters. It is the centre of commerce, the political nerve of this country. If you win Lagos, you almost won Nigeria. If Lagos speaks, Nigeria speaks,” he said. “Secondly, I’m here because last election we lost Lagos. So I want to speak to Lagosians. This time around, it is our time to deliver Lagos. First to Mr. President, and then deliver our Governor, and deliver all our National Assembly members and House of Assembly members. This is a must-do for us,” Yilwatda said.

He said the party must protect its organisational strength by deepening relationship with grassroots and communicating its achievements. 

Yilwatda warned against what he described as elective amnesia, where members vote for President but not Governor, or Senator but not House of Assembly. 

“If you vote for Mr. President and you don’t have National Assembly, how do we run government? If you vote for Governor and you don’t vote for House of Assembly to concur to constitutional amendments, how do you move forward? APC needs majority in National Assembly and House of Assembly,” he said.

Reconciliation 

On internal disagreements, the National Chairman said ambition and differences are natural in a large party but must not be taken to extremes.

“Road to ballot requires preparation, patience, honest communication and willingness to put collective responsibility above personal differences. 

“Let us build structures, strengthen relationships with grassroots, resolve differences. Let’s make Lagos win this time,” he said.

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Sanwo-Olu

Stressing the value of perseverance within the party, the Governor used the analogy of a 1,000 naira note to illustrate that true worth and face value remain intact despite temporary political pressures and economic squeezes

Sanwo-Olu noted that consistency and loyalty are ultimately rewarded, citing examples of dedicated members who stayed the course through challenging electoral contests before rising to prominent national and state positions, like Yilwatda.

​“This father, this leader we call Mr. President, has not only transgressed this country with development, he has also shown us in Lagos what true federal government development tastes like.This man has demonstrated his capacity, and what we’re asking for is just for us to have an electioneering process that will deliver million of votes for him in the next coming elections,” he said.

​He expressed strong confidence that through shared purpose and cohesive teamwork, the party will continue to deliver sustainable growth and strong electoral victories from Lagos.

Earlier, Chairman of APC in the State, Cornelius Ojelabi, charged party leaders and members of the campaign council to work as one team to deliver five million votes for the candidates of the party led by President Bola Tinubu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as Governor in the 2027 general elections.

“The time for preparation must translate into purposeful action, measurable progress and, ultimately, victory at the ballot,” Ojelabi said.

On electoral target, Ojelabi said the party aims for five million votes out of seven million votes targeted in Lagos.

The Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, Senator, Musilu Obanikoro, earlier stressed that “the road to the ballot is a journey that demands more than enthusiasm and political strength. It requires a clear vision, a shared strategy, defined responsibilities, effective communication, and a united leadership capable of mobilising our structures and supporters towards a common destination.”