A member of the House of Representatives, Kafilat Adetola Ogbara has stated that the party, All Progressives Congress (APC) is doing everything possible to see that President Bola Tinubu doesn’t lose the 2027 election in Lagos state.
Recall that he was defeated by Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election in Lagos.
Ogbara, who represents Kosofe Constituency in an interview with newsmen said the party is already putting plans in place to ensure the president wins Lagos in the 2027 presidential election.
The result released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Presidential Candidate of the LP, Peter Obi, polled 582,130 votes, while Tinubu of the APC polled 571, 575 votes in Lagos state.
According to Ogbara “Well, the 2023 election was a tough moment for us in Lagos State. Our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has supported countless presidents and shaped numerous personalities, contested for president. For him to lose in his home state was a deeply unfortunate outcome. However, we are determined not to let that happen again, and the solution starts now, not when the election date nears. Even during the screening of our councilors, we understand that grassroots politics matter.
The quality and caliber of the individuals we select as our councilors and local government chairpersons will significantly influence the results we aim for in 2027. Politics begins at the grassroots level. If a councilor doesn’t know his or her community, the polling units, or even how to mobilise voters, they’re not equipped to serve effectively. A councilor must be someone who is deeply familiar with their community, someone who understands the local dynamics and has a genuine connection with the people.
For our party to thrive, we need councilors who are not only familiar with the community but also have influence. These individuals should be able to engage with key local stakeholders, such as market leaders, artisans, royal fathers, and motor park leaders. When elections come around, they should be able to communicate effectively, because the community already knows them and trusts them. We cannot afford to field candidates who are not rooted in the local environment.
As we move forward, it’s crucial that the party addresses these issues openly and frankly. We need to analyze why we lost in certain areas and what contributed to victories in others. By identifying our strengths and weaknesses, we can better prepare for future elections. I believe that if we were to hold an election today, the results would be far better than what we experienced in 2023.”
