What does your role entail as the Renewed Hope Advocacy Coordinator in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State?
My role involves engaging different segments of the public in this locality – youths, various ethnic groups, women, and others. I educate them on the long-term benefits of government policies ahead of the 2027 general election.
We are using a systematic approach to identify voters across polling units in our locality and help them understand the positive impact of government actions.
Within this community, particularly Oshodi, we aim to deliver at least 100,000 votes. Is this realistic? Oshodi has over 180,000 registered voters, with turnout typically below 25 per cent in each election cycle. However, if we include Isolo and Ejigbo, the voting population rises to about 370,000.
Our strategy is to reduce voter apathy, a persistent issue. We want to ensure that on election day, young people are not playing football on the streets and women are not preoccupied with other activities instead of voting.
To achieve this, we have built a structure to identify and engage groups who usually do not vote. We explain why they should not only vote but also support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the presidential election. Our approach is data-driven because we understand that repeating the same strategy will not produce different results.
Voter apathy has worsened over successive election cycles. While some people go to polling units, many youths prefer to play football. How do you plan to address this, and what has the target audience’s response been so far?
The response has been largely positive. It is different from what we experienced two years ago at the early stage of this administration. This change is due to the visible impact of government policies, which initially seemed harsh.
I believe strongly in data analysis, and that is the approach we are using.
About three years ago, we conducted a survey in this area to identify those who did not vote for the president in 2023. We discovered that the Muslim-Muslim ticket worked against the APC in many communities, including ours, as some people preferred a Christian vice president.
We also found that the elite were divided at the time and did not fully support Tinubu, as they had alternative candidates. Today, the situation has changed significantly.
We conducted research with a sample of 500 people, asking whom they voted for in the last election and whom they intend to support in 2027. Interestingly, many elites who did not support Tinubu in 2023 have now decided to back him.
Why? They can now see the positive impact of his policies on the economy. They understood that the reforms were necessary, even if they were initially painful. Overall, the response has been very encouraging.
Our strategy combines data analysis with direct engagement. While we use social media, our primary focus is grassroots interaction. We also analyse historical voting patterns in this community since 1999 to guide our efforts.
To tackle voter apathy, the APC has established grassroots campaign structures across various communities. We realised we cannot wait until a few weeks before the election to begin engagement.
We are also working with influencers and community leaders who may not be party members but support the president and are willing to advocate on our behalf. Their followers tend to respond positively.
I must also acknowledge the chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof, for putting this structure in place. I am only implementing it.
Nigerians have divergent views about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. How do you intend to convince those who are not APC members or supporters to vote for him?
It is a straightforward task because many Nigerians are already aware of the positive impact of the administration’s policies across sectors. However, differing opinions are normal in any political system.
From our interactions, the elite, the youths, and the general public are beginning to understand that the president’s tough decisions are for the long-term benefit of the country. We explain these policies in practical terms – how they affect market women, artisans, and young people.
The president inherited a struggling economy, with revenue challenges and heavy debt obligations. Gradually, the economy is stabilising. Nigeria is no longer in recession, and global institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF are increasingly positive about the Nigerian economy.
President Tinubu implemented reforms that previous administrations avoided because of their political implications. He could have continued with practices like excessive borrowing, currency manipulation, and fuel subsidies, but he chose a different path.
These decisions were difficult but necessary to stabilise the economy.
Can you highlight one or two policies that have positively impacted Nigerians? What achievements do you emphasise most when engaging the public?
We consider both macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives. Before Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria faced serious economic challenges – high debt, low revenue, and heavy reliance on borrowing.
The administration took bold steps by removing fuel subsidies and floating the naira. Initially, this led to increased prices of goods and services, but the economy is now adjusting. Food prices are beginning to drop, and even critics acknowledge this trend.
The previous system largely benefited a small segment of society, which is unsustainable. The current reforms aim to create long-term stability.
Key policies, including reforms in the insurance and banking sectors, are designed to protect citizens. State revenues have also increased, and the president has encouraged citizens to hold their governors accountable.
There has been improvement in trade balances, growth in local refining capacity, and increased foreign direct investment. The stock market has also recorded significant gains, boosting investor confidence.
For young people, the student loan scheme has improved access to tertiary education. Technical and vocational education is also being prioritised by making it tuition-free. This will help the country to address skill shortages in the long run.
Many states now receive higher allocations, yet the impact is not widely felt at the grassroots. What is your advice to governors to prevent this from affecting the president’s re-election?
Given my position, it is not my place to advise governors. However, I encourage them to use available resources effectively to complement the president’s efforts.
Local government autonomy is a critical policy in this regard. Development must be felt at the grassroots.
In Oshodi, we have seen significant progress over the past five years under Chairman Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof. His performance demonstrates that when resources are properly managed at the local level, tangible results can be achieved.
Ultimately, leaders at all levels will be held accountable for how they utilise public resources.
Looking back at the 2023 election, what lessons has the APC learnt, especially after losing Lagos to the Labour Party? How are these lessons shaping your 2027 strategy?
The events of 2023 are well known. Internal divisions within the party affected our performance. Some elements within the party did not support Tinubu’s candidacy and even initiated policies that worked against the party.
For example, the naira redesign policy caused severe hardship, as people could not access their own money. Fuel scarcity at the time also restricted movement. These challenges negatively impacted voters.
Despite these obstacles, Tinubu still won the election. Without them, the margin of victory would likely have been wider.
Today, the situation is different. The opposition appears weaker, and the political landscape has changed. If there is a strong opposition, we expect them to present themselves.
For now, we are focused on strengthening our base and ensuring better performance in 2027.