The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen internal party structures as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The charge was given by the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, during a reception organised for members of the APC State Chairmen’s Forum on Friday in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The dinner, hosted by Conference 57, brought together chairmen of the party from across the country as part of their three-day visit to the state.

Ojelabi said the success of the ruling party would depend not only on its electoral performance but also on the strength of its grassroots network and the quality of leadership across the states.

According to him, state chairmen occupy a strategic position in sustaining the party’s relevance, maintaining unity and ensuring that its progressive ideals remain firmly rooted among members at the ward and local government levels.

He said, “We are custodians of the party’s structures. We are builders of consensus and the bridge between the national leadership and millions of members across the country.”

The Lagos APC chairman stressed that party leaders must focus on building enduring institutions, nurturing future leaders and strengthening internal democracy rather than limiting their activities to electioneering.

He maintained that the reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda require sustained support from party leaders, who, he said, must continue to inspire confidence among members and the electorate.

Ojelabi also applauded the National Working Committee led by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, pledging the continued cooperation of state chairmen with the national leadership.

He equally commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining what he described as the state’s progressive legacy through investments in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, technology and human capital development.

The APC chairman expressed appreciation to Conference 57 for hosting the reception, noting that the commitment of local government chairmen to the party reflects the critical role of grassroots leadership in consolidating the APC.

He also acknowledged the contributions of party elders, elected lawmakers, commissioners, women and youth groups, as well as other stakeholders, to the growth of the ruling party.

Earlier, Chairman of Conference 57, Sesan Olowa, reaffirmed the support of the 57 local government and local council development area chairmen in Lagos for President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and the APC.

Olowa described the gathering as an opportunity for party leaders to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and reinforce unity ahead of future political engagements.

He urged party officials across the country to remain committed to expanding the APC’s grassroots base while promoting good governance capable of sustaining public confidence.

According to him, strong political institutions are built not only through visionary leadership but also through regular engagement and collaboration among those entrusted with the responsibility of leading the party.