Lagos APC Rallies Behind President Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid, Fashola Raises Concerns Over Declining Voter in Turnout
A high-powered meeting of Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
The event, held on Tuesday, brought together some of the state’s most influential political figures, including former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, as well as Senators Tokunbo Abiru and James Faleke.
In his remarks, former Governor Babatunde Fashola expressed concern over a troubling trend of falling voter participation in Lagos State despite rising voter registration figures.
He noted that the APC, once known for its strong electoral dominance in Lagos, has seen a noticeable drop in actual voter turnout over recent election cycles. “We are witnessing increasing voter registration but decreasing turnout, and that should concern us,” Fashola cautioned. “Lagos used to lead the party in total votes. What has changed? We must examine this decline and take steps to reverse it.”
Fashola cited past election records, recalling when Lagos delivered over 1.5 million votes for the APC while its closest competitor managed only around 300,000. He urged stakeholders to re-evaluate their mobilisation strategies and rebuild the enthusiasm that once defined the party’s stronghold.
During the meeting, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, announced new incentive packages aimed at improving grassroots mobilisation. According to him, the best-performing polling unit will receive ₦1 million, the top-performing ward ₦5 million, and the leading local government ₦20 million.
Ojelabi also revealed that nomination fees paid by aspirants during the last local government elections would be refunded as part of efforts to encourage wider participation. He urged party members to intensify their voter mobilisation campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The journey to victory in 2027 begins today,” Ojelabi said. “We must strengthen our presence at the grassroots and encourage more citizens to register and get involved in governance.”
Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, speaking on behalf of the Lagos APC family, reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for President Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader committed to Nigeria’s renewal and economic revival.
Hamzat highlighted the president’s reform-driven agenda, saying it embodies hope, progress, and accountability. He called on party members to champion the administration’s achievements and promote unity within the APC ranks. “We must sustain the legacy of progressive governance,” Hamzat said. “This is a collective mission — to continue the transformation and deliver greater prosperity for all Nigerians.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who presided over the meeting, lauded the solidarity within the party and reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to ensuring the success of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
