APC state chairmen move to strengthen grassroots structures

Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress from the 36 states have converged on Lagos for a meeting aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and discussing preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The state chairmen, who are in Lagos for a three-day visit, were hosted at a welcome dinner in Victoria Island on Friday by the Lagos State APC Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

The gathering precedes the forum’s meeting, where party leaders are expected to deliberate on strategies to consolidate the APC’s structures nationwide and strengthen internal cohesion.

Addressing the gathering, Ojelabi said the meeting was more than a social event, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate the party’s shared history, deepen collaboration among state leaders and renew its commitment to the APC’s founding ideals.

He urged party leaders to continue strengthening the party at the grassroots, saying state chairmen play a critical role in maintaining unity and connecting the national leadership with members across the country.

“We are custodians of the party’s structures. We are builders of consensus. We are promoters of internal harmony. We are the bridge between our national leadership and millions of committed members across the wards and local governments of Nigeria,” he said.

According to Ojelabi, the responsibility of state chairmen extends beyond electioneering to mentoring emerging leaders, deepening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the party.

He also commended the APC National Working Committee led by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and pledged the forum’s continued support for the national leadership.

The Lagos APC chairman praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what he described as sustained investments in infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, technology and human capital development in the state.

He also acknowledged Conference 57, the umbrella body of chairmen of the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State, for hosting the reception.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Conference 57, Sesan Olowa, reaffirmed the support of council chairmen in Lagos for the APC, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Olowa urged party leaders to remain united and continue strengthening the APC from the grassroots, saying sustained engagement among stakeholders was essential to the party’s continued success.

“We must continue to strengthen the All Progressives Congress from the grassroots, remain united in purpose and continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the developmental vision of our leader in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

The meeting is expected to culminate in a strategic session of the APC State Chairmen’s Forum, where participants will discuss organisational matters and plans for future elections.