The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has initiated a new mobilisation strategy targeting registered voters who are not active politicians. This approach aims to reach voters who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) but have not been actively participating in elections. According to Iyabosola Abimbola Eletu, the Lagos State Women Leader of the APC, the party is moving beyond its existing membership structure to engage with these voters.
Eletu disclosed that party members have been tasked with reaching out to people within their communities as part of a new mobilisation structure at the polling-unit level. The strategy involves identifying 10 potential voters around each polling unit who have PVCs but have not previously participated actively in elections. This initiative is part of broader efforts by her office to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The APC's new mobilisation strategy comes as the party has stepped up its preparations for the 2027 elections in Lagos. The party formally unveiled Hamzat and Damilola Sonayon-James as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates in June. Eletu emphasized that the focus on non-politicians is necessary because electoral mobilisation should not be restricted to existing party members.
The Women Leader also disclosed that her office had earlier embarked on PVC sensitisation across Lagos during the registration exercise. This effort particularly targeted people who obtained their voter cards in locations different from where they currently reside. Eletu mentioned that some residents were living in areas like Alimosho and Agege but had their PVCs in Idumota.
Eletu added that women leaders at the local government level produced online content to educate residents about registration and transfer procedures. The initiative generated calls from residents seeking information about where to register, collect, or transfer their PVCs. This proactive approach aims to increase voter participation and engagement in the electoral process.
The APC's grassroots structure is being positioned to take political participation to individual communities and polling units. Eletu said her office had been working to improve relations between local government women leaders and council chairpersons. This intervention has improved interaction between the two groups, with some local governments reporting better cooperation after meetings facilitated by her office.
The mobilisation programme will continue at the grassroots as the party prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle. Eletu expressed optimism that this strategy will enhance the party's engagement with voters and strengthen its grassroots structure. The focus on non-politicians reflects the party's efforts to broaden its appeal and increase voter turnout in the next elections.
Key points
- The Lagos APC is targeting voters with PVCs who are not active politicians.
- The party aims to reach 10 potential voters around each polling unit.
- The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
