The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a directive to its candidates, requiring them to remain in Nigeria until after the 2027 general elections. This directive was announced by the party's state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, during the inauguration of the APC's Tinubu-Hamzat Campaign Council. The council was set up to oversee the campaigns for the victories of President Bola Tinubu and APC's governorship candidate Femi Hamzat in Lagos State.
The inauguration of the campaign council marks the commencement of the party's state-wide campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ojelabi emphasized the importance of cooperation and participation from the candidates, stating that they are expected to remain available to the campaign structure and participate fully in the party's mobilisation activities. He also cautioned party members against underestimating the opposition and urged them to work collectively towards the party's electoral objectives.
The APC plans to take its campaign to the grassroots, deploying its structures across senatorial districts, local government areas, wards, and polling units. The party has set a target of 5 million votes in Lagos and aims to achieve this goal through coordinated grassroots mobilisation. Ojelabi also urged party members to ensure a peaceful campaign season, free from hatred, thuggery, and violence.
Femi Hamzat, the Lagos State deputy governor and APC's governorship candidate, defended President Tinubu's administration, arguing that its policies have produced changes in the economy and other sectors. He cited reforms in taxation, infrastructure, agriculture, and security as areas where the party can point to during its campaign. Hamzat emphasized the importance of basing the campaign on data and records rather than emotion.
Hamzat also highlighted Lagos State's economic importance, citing its contribution to Nigeria's economy. He argued that the state is too economically important to be subjected to "trial and error" and emphasized the need for a president who understands the state's geography and people. Hamzat also defended President Tinubu's bid for a second term, citing his introduction of reforms that have strengthened the economy.
According to Hamzat, President Tinubu has stabilised the economy for the first time, citing a £7.9 billion trade surplus with America. He also pointed to the renovation of airports, infrastructure projects, tax reforms, and the federal government's response to terrorism and kidnapping as areas of progress under the administration. Hamzat urged APC members to take the campaign to their communities and mobilise voters for the party's candidates.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on 16 January 2027, while the governorship and House of Assembly polls will be held on 6 February 2027. The APC's directive to its candidates is aimed at ensuring their availability and participation in the campaign and election processes.
Key points
- The Lagos APC has set a target of 5 million votes in the state for the 2027 general elections.
- The party's campaign will focus on the records of the APC-led governments rather than emotion.
- The presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on 16 January 2027.
