Fellow Lagosians, distinguished leaders, stakeholders and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State,
As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to you all.
October 1 is not merely a date on our national calendar. It is a reminder of the courage, sacrifices and determination of those who fought for Nigeria’s independence and of the responsibility that every generation carries to preserve and advance the gains of our nationhood.
Our democratic journey, in particular, deserves profound reflection.
June 12 remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic expression. It represents the enduring aspiration of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders and have their votes respected.
We remember Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), whose name remains inseparably connected with that historic chapter, and the countless Nigerians who stood for democratic freedom during that difficult period.
June 12 taught us that democracy is ultimately about the people — their voice, their choice and their right to determine the direction of their nation.
That lesson is particularly relevant today as we approach another important chapter in our democratic journey.
The 2027 elections will provide another opportunity for Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders. For political parties, it is a season of engagement, persuasion, organisation and mobilisation. For citizens, it is an opportunity to participate actively and responsibly in shaping the future of our country.
For us in the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State, the responsibility is clear.
We must strengthen our structures, deepen our engagement with the people and work collectively for the success of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in Lagos State.
Lagos must be ready.
Ready to organise.
Ready to engage.
Ready to communicate.
Ready to mobilise.
Ready to participate.
But as we enter the campaign season, we must never lose sight of the democratic values for which generations before us made sacrifices.
We must campaign with facts and ideas. We must engage our people with confidence and respect. We must defend our records and present our vision for the future. And we must conduct ourselves in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, public confidence in our democratic process.
Every polling unit counts. Every ward counts. Every community counts. Every party member has a role to play.
The story of June 12 must therefore not remain confined to history books and commemorative speeches.
We honour MKO Abiola and the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle by protecting the value of the people’s mandate.
We honour them by encouraging citizens to participate.
We honour them by respecting the ballot.
We honour them by building political structures that are responsive to the people.
And we honour them by ensuring that political competition remains peaceful, issues-based and democratic.
As Lagosians, we understand the importance of political participation. Lagos has consistently occupied a significant place in Nigeria’s political history, and our State must continue to demonstrate political maturity, organisational strength and respect for democratic values.
As we approach 2027, I therefore call on every APC leader, stakeholder and member across Lagos State to take ownership of the task before us.
Let us put the interest of the party and the progress of our State above personal differences.
Let us strengthen our unity.
Let us take our message to every ward, every community and every polling unit.
Let us mobilise with discipline and purpose.
And let us work together for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in Lagos State.
The democratic journey from October 1, 1960, through June 12, 1993, to the democratic Nigeria of today reminds us that the right of the people to determine their collective future is too precious to take for granted.
The responsibility now rests with us.
Let us rise to it with courage, discipline, unity and a deep commitment to the democratic process.
May the sacrifices of our heroes never be forgotten.
May the spirit of June 12 continue to remind us that the people’s voice matters and the people’s mandate must be respected.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
May God bless Lagos State.
May God bless the All Progressives Congress.
Happy Independence Day, Fellow Lagosians!
Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi
Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State
1/1/26
