Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Lagos State, Musiliu Obanikoro, has urged party members and supporters to remain faithful, disciplined and law-abiding as campaigns begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He gave the charge at an interfaith prayer organised by the party to mark the start of electioneering activities.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set September 9, 2026, as the start date for campaign activities for the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members to campaign for President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, with respect, tolerance and unity.
Obanikoro cautioned members against allowing political differences to degenerate into bitterness, division or actions that could undermine the party.
According to him, although members may have different aspirations and preferences, they remain members of one political family and must approach the election as a united force.
‘We competed with dignity. Let us campaign with respect. Let us disagree without becoming enemies,’ he said.
The APC chieftain said the conclusion of the party’s primary elections should mark the end of internal contests, urging members to close ranks and work collectively for the party’s success.
He said opponents of the APC would confront the party as one political family, regardless of individual differences among its members, adding that the party must, therefore, respond with unity.
Obanikoro said the interfaith prayer was organised to commit the party’s political journey to God as the campaign season begins.
He noted that although strategy, organisation, hard work and commitment were essential to electoral success, prayer also had a place in human affairs.
‘We are gathered for a simple but profound purpose: to place this political journey in the hands of God before the campaigns begin,’ he said.
He urged party members to combine their political activities with prayers for divine guidance, protection, wisdom and favour throughout the electioneering period.
‘We should focus on the success of the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
‘Our prayer today is simple: let God go before us. Let Him go before our party; let Him go before our candidates; let Him guide our leaders and protect our members and supporters,’ he said.
Obanikoro called on members to commit themselves to harmony, loyalty, discipline, tolerance and unity of purpose, stressing that political office was temporary, while relationships built and the society left behind were enduring.
He urged the party faithful to enter the campaign season with ‘one purpose, one message and one determination’ in pursuit of victory for the APC and a better future for Lagos State.
He also prayed for the success of the party’s leaders and candidates, and for peace and progress in Lagos State and Nigeria.