The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to sustain unity, peace and harmony as political activities intensify ahead of next year’s elections.
Hamzat made the appeal while addressing party faithful and stakeholders amid ongoing political consultations and preparations within the ruling party, stressing that cohesion remained essential for the continued success of the APC in Lagos State and across the country.
The deputy governor also urged members of the party to troop out in large numbers tomorrow to honour the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has received a collective endorsement for re-election by the platform.
According to him, the endorsement of Tinubu reflects the confidence party members and supporters have in the leadership of the President and the administration’s efforts at national development and economic reforms.
Hamzat noted that the strength of the APC in Lagos has always been rooted in unity, discipline and loyalty to the ideals of the party, adding that members must continue to place the interest of the party above personal ambitions.
He urged politicians, aspirants and party supporters to avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party, especially following the conduct of recent shadow polls and internal electoral exercises.
The deputy governor specifically appealed to members who may feel dissatisfied with the outcome of the party primaries to remain calm and committed to the APC, assuring them that disagreements are natural in any democratic setting.
He warned against violence, unruly behaviour and acts capable of disrupting the peace within the party structure, insisting that all grievances should be addressed through lawful and peaceful channels.
According to Hamzat, maintaining peace and internal stability would strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections and preserve the political legacy built over the years in Lagos State.
He said: “Our strength lies in our unity. We must continue to stand together as one family irrespective of individual interests or temporary disagreements. The APC has always emerged stronger because our members understand the importance of loyalty and collective responsibility.”
The deputy governor further stressed that the progress recorded by the party at both state and national levels could only be sustained if members remained focused and united ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Political observers believe Hamzat’s message was aimed at calming tensions among party members following intense competition during recent APC primary elections in some parts of Lagos State.
The shadow polls had reportedly generated disagreements among certain aspirants and supporters, leading to calls by party leaders for reconciliation and renewed commitment to party unity.
Hamzat, however, maintained that party members must not allow political differences to weaken the structure of the APC in the state.
He also encouraged members to continue mobilising support for the party at the grassroots level while promoting peaceful political engagement across communities.
The deputy governor praised party leaders and stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining stability within the APC, describing Lagos as a model of political organisation and democratic participation.
He reiterated that the ruling party remained committed to delivering good governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for residents.
Party faithful who attended the gathering expressed support for the deputy governor’s call, with many agreeing that unity would be critical as campaigns and political activities gather momentum ahead of the polls.
Some members also described the endorsement of President Tinubu as a reflection of the confidence many party supporters have in his administration and leadership direction.
Across Lagos State, APC leaders have continued consultations and mobilisation efforts aimed at consolidating support for the party and ensuring peaceful participation during the election season.
Analysts say the repeated calls for peace and unity within the party indicate the importance party leaders attach to internal cohesion as preparations intensify for another major electoral contest.
As political activities continue to build across the state, Hamzat’s appeal is expected to resonate among party members seeking stability and reconciliation after the conclusion of the party’s internal processes.
With the elections drawing closer, the APC leadership in Lagos appears determined to project an image of unity and solidarity while rallying supporters behind the party’s candidates and the re-election bid of President Tinubu.
