From Muyiwa Adegbite, Lagos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairmen’s forum, on Sunday, met leaders of non-indigenous communities in Lagos State, seeking support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
The forum met with leaders of the Arewa, Ndigbo, South South, and Nupe communities on Victoria Island.
The meeting was part of the activities scheduled for the forum’s three-day visit to the state.
Addressing the gathering, the forum’s chairman and Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, commended the communities for supporting the ruling party in the state.
Ojelabi acknowledged the contributions of the non-indigenous communities to the party’s electoral successes.
He appealed for greater commitment and dedication as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
“On behalf of the state chapter of the APC and the APC chairmen from the 36 states and the FCT, I publicly acknowledge your wonderful support.
“We solicit more support as we move into the general elections,” Ojelabi said.
Speaking to the Arewa community, the forum’s secretary and Nasarawa APC Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, described non-indigenous communities as critical stakeholders.
Bello urged community members to remain law-abiding and to support the government of their host state.
“When you are in Rome, you do like the Romans. You must be supportive of the host community, and you must know your boundaries. You are not here to challenge the host,” Bello said.
He added that visitors should reciprocate the enabling environment provided by their host communities through loyalty and support for constituted authorities.
Speaking on behalf of Ndigbo in the APC, Joe Igbokwe assured the forum of the group’s commitment to Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“We are APC 100 per cent. We are not joking. APC is our business. This time around, it is going to be different, and we have done a lot of work. We must get what we want,” Igbokwe said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Saadu Gulma, the chairman of Arewa APC Lagos, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Mr Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
Gulma disclosed that Arewa communities across the 17 southern states were planning a general conference ahead of the elections.
“All the Arewa chairmen in the 17 southern states and other leaders are going to meet in Cross River to strategise ahead of the elections,” he said.
He said the conference was scheduled for July 27 in Cross River.
Leaders of the South-South and Nupe communities also assured the APC leadership of their support for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.