2027: Fashola advises APC on how to keep members loyal

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen its internal reward system as a means of motivating party members and sustaining their commitment to the party’s success.

Fashola gave the advice on Tuesday during the Lagos APC Stakeholders’ Forum, where he emphasized the need to keep members engaged and rewarded for their loyalty and contributions.

He also expressed concern over the growing voter apathy despite increasing voter registration figures.

“We are witnessing an increase in voter registration but a decrease in voter turnout,” Fashola noted. “At one time, Lagos had over 1.5 million voters compared to our closest rival’s 300,000. We must ask ourselves what has changed and how to restore that enthusiasm.”

The former governor of Lagos State observed that in the 2023 general elections, less than 30 percent of the 93 million registered voters across Nigeria participated, describing the trend as “not good enough” for a developing democracy.

In his remarks, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended members for their dedication and loyalty, describing them as the backbone of the party’s electoral strength.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to deepening grassroots participation, mobilizing youths, and maintaining its leadership position in the nation’s political landscape. Ojelabi also announced plans to refund nomination fees paid by aspirants in the last local government elections.

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

Representing the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, encouraged members to develop programmes that appeal to young Nigerians and ensure that the party remains connected to youth aspirations.

“We must continue to mobilize and sensitize the people about President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Basiru said.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Hon. Dolapo Badru (Lagos Island Federal Constituency) highlighted the contributions of federal lawmakers from Lagos to the achievements of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.