By Aderonke Ojediran
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and reinforcing the party’s progressive ideology.
The Lagos APC Vice Chairman, Mr Moshood Maiyegun, stated this on Wednesday during an event organised by the SMA Movement at Police College Field, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that party leaders, members and supporters attended the gathering where mobilisation efforts and political ambitions within the party were highlighted.
Maiyegun also commended APC chieftain, Mr Samuel Ajose, for formally declaring his intention to seek the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“The APC remains committed to internal democracy and inclusiveness.
“Aspirants are free to pursue their ambitions within the framework of our party and we encourage healthy competition that strengthens our structure,” he said.
He urged party members to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and continue promoting the Renewed Hope agenda across Lagos communities.
“With unity, discipline and strategic mobilisation, the APC will remain the dominant political force in Lagos and deliver victory for our candidates in future elections,” Maiyegun said.
Earlier, Ajose formally declared his intention to seek the governorship ticket of the APC during the event attended by thousands of supporters.
NAN reports that no fewer than 25,000 supporters from Local Government and Local Council Development Areas across the state attended the gathering.
Ajose said his decision to contest was driven by the desire to sustain Lagos’ progressive governance legacy.
“It is with humility, gratitude and conviction that I stand before you today.
“This is not just a declaration; it is a reaffirmation of our collective destiny,” he said.
He described Lagos as a beacon of hope and opportunity shaped by visionary leadership, including that of President Tinubu, whom he called the architect of modern Lagos.
“I declare my intention to seek the gubernatorial ticket of our great party, the APC, and ultimately serve as the next Governor of Lagos State,” Ajose said.
He said his vision would align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda aimed at accelerating development and expanding opportunities for residents.
“For Lagos, Renewed Hope means accelerating development, expanding opportunities and ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
Ajose pledged that his administration would prioritise good governance, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
He identified housing, transportation, education and healthcare as core pillars of his agenda.
“We will provide affordable housing through public-private partnerships and innovative financing to meet the growing demand of Lagos residents,” he said.
Ajose also promised improvements in integrated road, rail and water transportation to reduce congestion across the state.
“Education remains the cornerstone of societal development.
“We will prioritise accessible and inclusive education with emphasis on girl-child education and skills development,” he said.
He added that his administration would strengthen primary healthcare and pursue universal health coverage for residents.
Ajose further pledged to align Lagos development strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the strategy would target lifting at least two million residents out of poverty through investments in small and medium enterprises, agriculture and technology.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the SMA Movement, Mr Biodun Coker, said the event marked the launch of a statewide grassroots mobilisation campaign.
Coker said the initiative was aimed at strengthening support for Tinubu’s re-election.
“Today marks the official flag-off of a strategic door-to-door mobilisation campaign in support of the re-election of our President,” he said.
According to him, the mobilisation structure would activate the SMA Movement across the 376 wards and the 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos.
“This is a statewide activation designed to reach every community and every corner of the state,” Coker said.
He said the effort would deepen political engagement and strengthen the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
“Lagos remains the political home base of our President and we must lead by example,” he added.
Coker said lessons from the 2023 presidential election in Lagos highlighted the need for stronger grassroots engagement.
“We must be honest with ourselves; the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos was not what we expected because many of us became complacent.
“Today we are here to say clearly that it will not happen again,” he said.
He added that the SMA Movement would work with party stakeholders across wards and communities to mobilise support for the APC and its candidates. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OAF/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
