Lagos and Ogun States on Wednesday stepped up efforts to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements, with governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun leading coordinated mobilisation drives across the Southwest.
The moves, widely seen as early groundwork for next year’s general election, drew large crowds of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and supporters who pledged to secure a second term for the President.
Sanwo-Olu Unveils ‘Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ in Lagos
At a carnival-like event held at the 10 Degrees Events Centre in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a grassroots initiative aimed at sensitising residents in Lagos’ 57 local councils on the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
The project operates under a national framework led by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
Sanwo-Olu appointed 20 local government coordinators, led by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, and donated 20 branded vehicles to support community engagement and logistics.
Clarifying that the initiative was not a formal campaign structure, the governor described it as a civic awareness platform.
“This is not a campaign rally. This is an activation of what we believe in and a commitment to informing citizens about government programmes and promises being fulfilled,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He tasked the ambassadors with taking the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to neighbourhoods, wards, polling units, markets, and campuses, ensuring citizens are informed about what he called “unprecedented milestones” achieved in three years.
Among the achievements listed were infrastructure expansion, economic stabilisation, increased foreign direct investment, implementation of a new minimum wage, debt reduction, moderating inflation, and enhanced social welfare programmes.
Ogun APC Leaders Close Ranks
In Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed party stakeholders at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, where prominent APC leaders rallied support for Tinubu’s re-election.
Those present included elder statesman Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senators Solomon Adeola and Shuaibu Salisu, party chairman Yemisi Sanusi, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and several former deputy governors and senators.
Notably absent were former Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel.
Abiodun declared that Ogun APC remained united behind Tinubu and hinted at a smooth and harmonious primary process to produce his successor.
Without mentioning names, he took a swipe at absent party figures, while emphasising unity.
“Ogun will speak with one voice and move in one accord,” Abiodun said, urging members to renew their commitment to the party’s ideals and to Tinubu’s leadership.
He described the gathering as a “family convergence” and vowed to ensure a smooth and transparent transition at the end of his tenure.
‘We Are Confident of Victory’
Southwest Renewed Hope Coordinator, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed confidence in the President’s electoral prospects.
“We are not afraid of the election because we are confident of winning. What worries opponents is jealousy over the President’s achievements,” he said.
The Lagos Coordinator, Tayo Ayinde, stressed that the ambassadors’ role was a responsibility, not an honorary title, urging them to serve as a bridge between government policies and citizens.
Similarly, Osun State Coordinator Sunday Akere said coordinators were expected to spread awareness of the President’s achievements through grassroots outreach.
Speaking on behalf of the 20 coordinators in Lagos, Japhet Odesanya of Ikorodu Local Government pledged full mobilisation.
“We will go to all nooks and crannies of the state to propagate what the President has done. We will not disappoint; we will deliver,” he said.
Political Base Re-energised
Lagos and Ogun form a critical part of the Southwest, Tinubu’s long-standing political base before assuming office as President in 2023.
With renewed mobilisation efforts underway, the APC in the region appears determined to consolidate support and strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general election.