Amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State recently staged a massive show of solidarity for President Bola Tinubu, endorsing him for a second term amid prayers, songs and celebrations by party faithful.

The event, tagged, ‘Special Congregational Prayer,’ held at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square. It attracted thousands of supporters from Lagos and neighbouring states, turning the venue into a carnival-like gathering in support of the President and the ruling party.

Leading party stalwarts at the event was Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, both of whom received loud cheers from supporters on arrival.

The programme was organised by the Renewed Hope Network (RHN) under the leadership of its Director-General, Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole.

Also present were former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Convener of the RHN, James Faleke; and Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Stephen Adegbite.

From the early hours of the day, supporters dressed in customised ankara fabrics, face caps and branded T-shirts flooded the venue in buses and convoys. Different support groups carrying banners and party flags marched through the main entrance near the Bus Rapid Transit corridor, chanting slogans and singing songs in praise of Tinubu and the APC leadership.

The atmosphere at the square was electrifying as drummers, praise singers and party loyalists entertained the crowd while awaiting the arrival of top government officials and party leaders.

One of the songs repeatedly rendered in Yoruba was ‘Asiwaju, ma ba’se re lo, ise re ma ntewa lorun, Asiwaju ma ba’se re lo,’ loosely translated as ‘Leader, continue your work; we are pleased with your performance.’

The chants echoed across the arena as supporters danced and waved party insignia, reinforcing the impression of a political movement already mobilising for another election cycle.

The overwhelming turnout also stretched security arrangements at the venue. Although access to the square was officially restricted to accredited persons, the mammoth crowd overwhelmed security personnel as supporters surged into the arena in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, Sanwo-Olu thanked party supporters for their loyalty and commitment to the APC, commending them for turning out in large numbers for the prayer session and endorsement rally.

The governor praised Nigerians for their patience amid ongoing economic reforms under Tinubu’s administration and urged citizens to remain steadfast in supporting the government.

In his remarks, Bello described Tinubu as a courageous and visionary leader whose political guidance significantly shaped his emergence as governor of Kogi State.

According to him, Tinubu’s role in deepening progressive politics across Nigeria remains unparalleled.

“President Tinubu is a leader to be reckoned with. He is courageous, forthright and deeply committed to the progress of Nigeria. I remain grateful for the role he played in my political journey and emergence as governor,” Bello said.

He added that the current administration deserved continued support to consolidate ongoing reforms and development initiatives.

Similarly, Hamzat applauded party supporters for their loyalty to the APC and urged them not to relent in their commitment ahead of future elections.

The deputy governor called for sustained grassroots mobilisation, stressing that electoral victory could only be guaranteed through active participation and voter education.

In his welcome address, Danmole explained that the prayer gathering was organised not only to seek divine guidance for the country but also to publicly endorse Tinubu for a second term.

According to him, the administration had embarked on difficult but necessary reforms aimed at repositioning the country for long-term economic stability and growth.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership through far-reaching reforms in the economy, infrastructure, education, social investment, security architecture and national productivity,” Danmole said.

“These reforms, though demanding in the short term, are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

Danmole also disclosed that the RHN had endorsed Tinubu for re-election while backing Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State.

He described Hamzat as a competent administrator with the vision and capacity to sustain Lagos’ developmental strides.

On his part, Obasa said the gathering represented more than a political endorsement, describing it as a reaffirmation of loyalty to leaders committed to governance and national development.

The Speaker, whose remarks drew sustained applause from party supporters, said: “We are gathered here today not only to pray, but to reaffirm our collective commitment to the future of Nigeria and Lagos State. Prayer is the foundation of strength, but action is the proof of faith. And today, our action is clear – we stand firmly behind the re-election of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State.”

Obasa described Tinubu as “the architect of modern Lagos,” crediting him with laying the foundation for the transformation that has made Lagos one of Africa’s leading commercial hubs.

“Asiwaju is not just a name; he is a movement,” Obasa added. “He is the visionary who transformed Lagos into a model of progress and the leader who has rejuvenated our hopes for a greater Nigeria.”

He maintained that Tinubu’s re-election would guarantee continuity and consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Obasa also endorsed Hamzat’s governorship ambition, describing the deputy governor as loyal, competent and committed to the development of Lagos State.

“Dr. Hamzat has proven himself as a loyal, capable and dedicated servant of the people. His partnership in governance has strengthened Lagos, and his leadership will ensure that our state continues to shine as the heartbeat of Nigeria,” he stated.

He pledged his support towards ensuring electoral victories for both Tinubu and Hamzat whenever elections are conducted.

“This is the time to rise. This is the time to speak with one voice and act with one resolve,” he said. “For me, this is not just a political endorsement; it is a covenant of loyalty and belief in their capacity to deliver.”

To Faleke, Tinubu is the most consistent democratic leader of the current political era, insisting that the Renewed Hope Agenda was laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

He said Nigerians must not allow “politically displaced” actors to distract the country from ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the economy and strengthening democratic institutions.

According to him, Tinubu’s political journey—from the pro-democracy struggle during the NADECO era to the formation of opposition alliances that birthed the AP —reflected decades of commitment to national unity and democratic stability.

“We are not guessing; we are testifying,” Faleke said. “He met a city overwhelmed by refuse, traffic congestion and hopelessness, but he built systems that continue to sustain Africa’s biggest city today.”

The lawmaker defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a painful but necessary policy decision previous administrations lacked the courage to implement.

“The removal of fuel subsidy was a bitter pill Nigeria had to swallow. Past leaders knew it was necessary, but they lacked the audacity to act. President Tinubu took the decision on his first day in office and redirected resources towards national development,” he stated.

Faleke added that the administration had recorded gains through reforms in the foreign exchange market, improved fiscal coordination and renewed investor confidence.

He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline and the rehabilitation of major rail corridors.

According to him, such projects would stimulate trade, improve food security, create jobs and deepen national integration.

“National unity is not just a social sentiment; it is an economic imperative,” he said. “The President understands that a fragmented nation cannot compete globally.”

Faleke also commended interventions in education, labour and the judiciary, including the approval of a new minimum wage, salary increases for lecturers and judges, as well as the introduction of student loan schemes.

On security, he said the Tinubu administration had treated insecurity as a national emergency by increasing defence spending, investing in modern military equipment and improving troop welfare.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused on supporting the administration’s policies rather than listening to critics motivated by “selfish interests and lost privileges.”

“We are not just campaigning for a person; we are campaigning for the survival and success of Nigeria,” he added.

Faleke expressed confidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda would secure victory in 2027, declaring that “the mandate is sacred and hope is renewed.”

Adegbite later offered prayers for Tinubu, his wife and the nation, asking for divine protection and strength for the President ahead of future political campaigns.