Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has led a high-powered gathering of stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to endorse President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.

The gathering on Tuesday included notable figures such as former governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Babatunde Fashola, as well as Senators James Faleke and Tokunbo Abiru, among others.

Former Governor Fashola expressed concerns over the party’s declining voter turnout, despite increasing registration numbers.

He emphasised the need for the party to introspect and identify the reasons behind this trend.

According to him, the party’s traditional stronghold has been experiencing a decline in voter enthusiasm, which must be addressed urgently.

Fashola noted that in the past, Lagos State had led the party in total vote count, but the numbers have dropped significantly.

He cited an instance where the state’s voter turnout was 1.5 million, while its closest rival managed only around 300,000 votes. He stressed that the party must re-strategise to regain its former glory.

He said, “We are facing increasing voter registration and decreasing voter turnout. I think that is not good for us. We should interrogate why the turnout is decreasing. We used to be the state that led the party in total votes. What has happened? Why has the vote dropped?”

The Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, announced incentives to boost party mobilisation, including ₦1 million for the best-mobilising polling unit, ₦5 million for the best-performing ward, and ₦20 million for the top-performing local government area.

He commended party members for their dedication and loyalty, pledging to deepen grassroots participation and mobilise youth.

Ojelabi also announced the refund of nomination fees paid by aspirants in the last local government elections, urging members to redouble their efforts at the grassroots level and participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

“The journey to a successful 2027 election begins now. Let’s mobilise more people to register and play active roles in governance,” he charged.

Lagos State Deputy Governor Babafemi Hamzat has emphasised the importance of continuity in leadership, throwing his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos APC family, Hamzat praised Tinubu’s visionary leadership and commitment to national transformation.

According to Hamzat, the reforms being implemented under Tinubu’s leadership are driven by renewed hope, productive governance, and economic recovery.

He urged party members to endorse and support the president’s bid for a second term, citing the need to build on existing achievements and bring greater prosperity to the people.

Hamzat called on party members to serve as ambassadors of the APC, spreading the message of good governance, unity, and progress.

He emphasised the need for collective action to ensure the continuity of progressive leadership.