A delegation of young members from Badagry Division on Tuesday visited the Lagos State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reaffirm their backing for President Bola Tinubu and the party’s governorship flagbearer, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The youths, representing Ojo and Badagry Federal Constituencies, also reiterated their loyalty to the APC and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of the party across the division.
Speaking during the solidarity visit to the state APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, youth leader Mr Tijani Oluwadare said the endorsement was driven by the party’s efforts to create opportunities for young people within its structures and government.
He commended the party leadership for addressing calls for increased youth participation in governance and decision-making processes.
Oluwadare described the selection of Mrs Damilola Sonayo-James as the APC deputy governorship candidate as a significant milestone that demonstrated the party’s commitment to empowering younger generations.
According to him, youths in Badagry Division and Ojo Federal Constituency appreciated the confidence reposed in them by the party leadership.
He noted that mobilisation campaigns had already commenced across communities to ensure strong electoral support for the APC in the next general elections.
The youth leader further assured party officials that young people in the division would continue to champion peaceful electoral participation.
He recalled that previous voter education and grassroots engagements in Badagry had helped maintain calm during elections by encouraging residents to shun violence.
“We remain committed to promoting peaceful participation in elections.
“Our role in the democratic process will continue to be reflected through voter turnout and support at the polls rather than any form of violence,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, another group leader, Mrs Rita Bawo, said the visit was organised to commend the peaceful conduct of the APC primary election and appreciate party leaders for maintaining stability throughout the process.
Bawo praised President Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing leadership that contributed to a hitch-free primary election.
She noted that the exercise was conducted without the unrest often associated with political contests.
According to her, the successful outcome of the primaries reflected the unity and political maturity within the APC.
She added that members were grateful for what they described as a transparent process that was widely accepted by party supporters.
“The party has already begun grassroots mobilisation activities across our constituency in preparation for the 2027 elections.
“Our objective is to improve on previous electoral performances and further strengthen the APC’s presence in communities across the state,” she said.
In his response, Ojelabi thanked the visiting youths for their loyalty and dedication to the party.
He assured them that the APC remained cohesive despite concerns and disagreements that emerged during the primaries.
The chairman disclosed that 91 aspirants contested for 24 House of Representatives tickets, while 184 aspirants sought the party’s 40 House of Assembly nominations across Lagos State.
While acknowledging that the exercise was not flawless, he urged members to support successful candidates for the collective interest of the party.
Ojelabi said a reconciliation committee had been inaugurated to address complaints and foster greater unity among party members.
He also commended President Tinubu for broadening participation within the APC and encouraging inclusiveness in the party’s political process.
The chairman urged young people to reciprocate the opportunities given to them by supporting the party and participating actively in the electoral process.
He further appealed to party officials and supporters to encourage eligible voters to complete their Continuous Voter Registration before the July 10 deadline, while expressing appreciation for the renewed commitment shown by members toward strengthening the APC in Lagos State.