Lagos politics returned to the spotlight on Tuesday as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed lingering disappointment over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in the state. The remarks, attributed to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the emotional and political weight the result still carries within party ranks.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, the governor described the election outcome as a painful chapter for the party in Lagos. The statement was delivered during a Ramadan lecture organized by the APC, which brought together party faithful for reflection, prayers, and strategic discussions ahead of future elections.

The event served not only as a religious gathering but also as a platform for political recalibration. Party members were urged to shift their focus toward the 2027 general elections, with an emphasis on preparation and participation. Ayinde stressed that the lessons from 2023 must guide the party’s approach moving forward.

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During his address, Ayinde called on APC supporters to take proactive steps to ensure stronger electoral outcomes in the future. Central to this strategy is voter mobilization, particularly the registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). According to him, active engagement at the grassroots level will be crucial to reversing the setbacks experienced in the last election cycle.

He noted that the 2023 election results in Lagos were not only disappointing but also unexpected for a party that has long held dominance in the state. The outcome, he said, should serve as a wake-up call for members to intensify efforts in voter education and participation.

Sanwo-Olu’s message also carried a broader national implication. He linked the future success of the current federal administration to the political fortunes of Bola Tinubu. According to the governor, sustaining progress at the national level would depend significantly on securing another electoral mandate for the president in 2027.

In his remarks, Ayinde quoted the governor as expressing a sense of embarrassment over the party’s performance in Lagos during the 2023 election. He emphasized that such an outcome should not be repeated, urging members to take responsibility for ensuring better organization and turnout in subsequent elections.

The governor’s stance underscores the importance of Lagos as a political stronghold and a key battleground in national elections. Historically, the state has been a major support base for the APC, making the 2023 results particularly significant.

Political analysts suggest that the party’s renewed focus on voter mobilization and internal unity could play a decisive role in shaping its future performance. The Ramadan lecture, therefore, marked more than a routine gathering—it signaled the آغاز of a long-term strategy aimed at reclaiming political dominance in Lagos.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, APC leaders in Lagos appear determined to learn from past missteps. Their message is clear: preparation, participation, and unity will be essential in charting a more successful electoral path.

The coming years will reveal whether these early efforts translate into tangible results at the polls, but for now, the party is setting its sights firmly on redemption.