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By Sunday Ani
A political caucus within the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, The Mandate Movement (TMM), has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, while also backing Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as its preferred candidate for the Lagos State governorship race in 2027.
The group also endorsed Senator Idiat Adebule for re-election to represent Lagos West senatorial district. It also appealed to the leadership of the APC to allow Lagos State House of Assembly member, Stephen Ogundipe, to return for a second term.
The endorsements were announced yesterday during an emergency meeting of the movement attended by party members and stakeholders in Oshodi/Isolo.
Speaking at the gathering, the leader of the movement and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Muraina Taiwo, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the APC and expressed confidence in the movement’s capacity to mobilise support for the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Coordinator of the Oshodi Local Government Mandate Movement, Alhaji Kehinde Olorunoje, urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that voter participation would be crucial to the party’s electoral success.
Olorunoje also dismissed claims of division within the movement, insisting that the recognised Mandate Movement remained the authentic structure within the APC in Oshodi/Isolo.
“There is no need for conflict because we all belong to the same APC family,” he said. “The authentic Mandate Movement is made up of Oshodi residents who have remained committed to the ideals and principles of the party. We will continue to stand for the truth and uphold the tenets of the APC.”
He maintained that the movement remained united and focused on ensuring victory for the party at all levels in the next election cycle.
Also speaking, the APC leader in Oshodi, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, commended the dedication of party members, particularly women, for their loyalty and contributions to the growth of the party.
He noted that many members of the movement had remained steadfast since the formation of the APC and its predecessor political structures.
Akinsanya expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term in office and called on key party leaders, including members of the Governance Advisory Council and House of Representatives member, James Faleke, to support the aspiration of Stephen Ogundipe for another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We are appealing to our leaders to reconsider their positions and allow Stephen Ogundipe to return for a second term,” he said. “Our members have worked tirelessly for the party, and the support for him at the grassroots remains overwhelming.”
He claimed that party members in the constituency had consistently delivered electoral victories and deserved consideration in the selection of candidates.
He further urged party faithful, especially women, to remain resilient and committed to the APC, noting that the movement had not relented in its support for the party and its candidates.
“Our candidates are President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Senator Idiat Adebule. We remain loyal to the party; we are ready to vote for them when the time comes,” he said.
He also reminded party members that political offices are temporary and urged leaders and followers to place party unity above personal interests.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Mandate Movement in Oshodi/Isolo, Samson Agbetoye, appreciated members for their turnout and continued support for the party.
Agbetoye called on residents and party faithful to promote unity and work together to sustain the party’s electoral success in the area.
“When we are divided, we weaken our chances, but when we are united, we can achieve greater success,” he said. “I appeal to all APC members and residents of Oshodi/Isolo to see themselves as one family and continue to work together for the progress of our community and the party.”
He also appealed to party leaders to consider Ogundipe for a second term, describing him as a committed party member who enjoys significant grassroots support.
Agbetoye dismissed reports of a leadership crisis within the Mandate Movement, insisting that the organisation remained united and had a recognised leadership structure.
“There is no crisis in the Mandate Movement. Our structure is intact, our leaders are known, and we remain committed to the ideals of the party,” he stated.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members of the movement to intensify grassroots mobilisation, encourage voter registration and PVC collection, and work towards securing victory for APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
