*****Appeals for Ogundipe’s Return

The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is rapidly taking shape as The Mandate Movement (TMM), an influential political caucus within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, has officially declared its stance on key executive and legislative seats.

In a major political statement, the group has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, while simultaneously backing current Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred candidate to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2027 Lagos State governorship race.

During a heavily attended emergency meeting of stakeholders and party faithful in Oshodi/Isolo, the movement laid out its electoral roadmap. Beyond the presidency and governorship, the caucus also endorsed Senator Idiat Adebule for re-election to represent the Lagos West Senatorial District, Stephen Ogundipe, a current member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for a second term.

Speaking at the gathering, a member of the powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and leader of the movement, Muraina Taiwo, reaffirmed TMM’s unalloyed commitment to the APC, expressing absolute confidence in the group’s capacity to mobilize massive grassroots support.

Adding significant weight to the event, prominent APC leader in Oshodi, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (popularly known as MC Oluomo), commended the resilience of party members, particularly women, who have remained steadfast since the party’s formative years.

While expressing certainty about President Tinubu’s re-election, Akinsanya made a direct appeal to top-tier party leadership, including the GAC and House of Representatives member James Faleke to allow Stephen Ogundipe to return to the State House of Assembly

“We are appealing to our leaders to reconsider their positions and allow Stephen Ogundipe to return for a second term,” Akinsanya stated. “Our members have worked tirelessly for the party, and the support for him at the grassroots remains overwhelming.”

He reminded the gathering that political offices are temporary, urging leaders and followers alike to place party unity above personal interests.

Addressing whispers of internal friction, the Coordinator of the Oshodi Local Government Mandate Movement, Alhaji Kehinde Olorunoje, firmly dismissed claims of a leadership crisis, asserting that the structure remains intact and completely unified.

“There is no need for conflict because we all belong to the same APC family,” Olorunoje insisted. “The authentic Mandate Movement is made up of Oshodi residents who have remained committed to the ideals and principles of the party.”

The Secretary of the Mandate Movement in Oshodi/Isolo,Samson Agbetoye, warned that division only weakens the party’s prospects. “When we are united, we can achieve greater success,” Agbetoye noted during his vote of thanks.

As the meeting concluded, the leadership shifted focus to strategy, urging residents and party loyalists to immediately prioritize obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The movement emphasized that aggressive grassroots mobilization and voter participation will be the ultimate deciding factors in securing a clean sweep for the APC in 2027.