By Oluwakemi Hassan (General Bashexy)
I am genuinely happy to see the maturity and unity being displayed ahead of the 2027 general elections in Lagos State. The decision by Jandor & SMA Ajose to step down their governorship ambition in support of Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) is a commendable one, and it shows that some people truly understand the bigger picture.
For me, this is beyond just a governorship election. That is why I call it “Lagos 2027” and not just “the Governorship race.” We are looking at a larger movement, increasing voter turnout massively, reconnecting with the grassroots, and strengthening the confidence of the people in the electoral process.
I recently saw the Conference 57 endorsement of KOH, and it was interesting to witness. However, I want to respectfully direct this message to our incoming Governor, InSha Allah, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat.
You understand the Lagos political system very well from inception till date. But one thing we must say clearly is this: if anybody believes Local Government Chairmen alone are enough to mobilize the grassroots, then the answer is both yes and no.
The truth is that some Chairmen, without mentioning names, cannot even boast of controlling 50% of party members within their own LCDA or local government, not to talk of the general public. And this election will depend heavily on the general public, beyond party structures alone.
This is why we must look beyond only the chairmen.
The reality is that some of them no longer have the level of influence people assume they do, not even within their own party structures APC, let alone among the general public.
We need to create some foot soldiers and ambassadors across every local government and LCDA, people who truly understand their communities, who are accessible, and who can engage directly with the people. These ambassadors should not just campaign; they should also serve as listeners and researchers, helping us understand the daily realities of Lagosians and how governance can improve their lives.
The campaign structure should have multiple layers. Grassroots coordinators should not be connected only through local government chairmen. There should be direct reporting lines to state coordinators for effectiveness and accountability.
We must engage directly into the structure:
- House of Representative members
- State Assembly Members
- Aspirants
- Community leaders
- Youth groups
- Student associations
- Artisan groups
- Religious and market associations
- Non-indigenes and settlers across Lagos
Everyone must feel included in the Lagos 2027 project.
Again, this is not an attack on any chairman. Some people are always quick to misunderstand constructive criticism. I am speaking from facts and from a genuine desire to see APC succeed in 2027.
If we do proper research, we will discover that some office holders struggle to even secure majority support within their own political structures. Just like expecting Chairmen that are underperforming or are barely present in their offices, sometimes appearing only once or twice a week. Such chairmen cannot effectively sell a candidate to the people.
So, for us to get better results and higher voter turnout, we must build structures beyond titles and offices. We need a people-centered campaign structure.
I am also currently putting together my own strategic template and recommendations. Once completed, I intend to submit them to the Lagos State campaign leadership because it is not enough to criticize; we must also provide solutions and better alternatives.
Lagos 2027 will be great.
We will come out strongly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
And we will come out massively for our experienced, intelligent, and people oriented leader, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat.
The work starts now.
Oluwakemi Hassan (General Bashexy) writes from Ikorodu
