HeadlineNews.News Special Feature
The recent appointment of Babatunde Kayode Ogala, SAN, as Chairman of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Electoral Committee marks a defining moment for the ruling party’s future. With local government elections fast approaching, the stakes are high—not just for candidate selection, but for restoring unity within the party, promoting inclusive governance, and laying the groundwork for a sweeping victory in the 2027 general elections.
A Strategic Mandate at a Critical Time
Ogala’s appointment comes amid heightened internal tensions following recent controversies in Lagos APC politics. These elections present a crucial opportunity to heal old wounds, rebuild trust, and forge a new consensus across party ranks. Observers believe this committee must do more than oversee primaries—it must strategize to unify the party, ensure loyalty to leadership, and deliver a credible, all-inclusive process that inspires confidence from the ward to the state level.
The Local Elections as 2027 Foundation
“Once the foundation is solid, the structure will be unbreakable,” said a senior APC strategist. The 2025 local government elections are not just routine polls; they are the first battleground in APC’s quest to maintain dominance in 2027. A fractured approach or controversial candidate selection could undermine long-term objectives.
This is why the committee must carry everyone along. All aspirants—men, women, youth, and party veterans—should be given a level playing field. Inclusiveness and fairness will rebuild party cohesion and drive the grassroots mobilization needed to secure a 2027 landslide victory.
Women Must Not Be Left Behind
One of the most urgent priorities is gender inclusion. Despite making up 49.3% of Nigeria’s population and 47.14% of registered voters in 2023, Nigerian women hold only 4.69% of elective offices at state and federal levels. Lagos, as a trailblazing state, must lead by example in reversing this marginalization.
Nigeria is a signatory to numerous international frameworks on gender parity, including:
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – ratified in 1985
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
The African Union’s Maputo Protocol (2003)
Domestically, the National Gender Policy (2006) recommends 35% affirmative action for women in both elective and appointive positions. Yet, implementation has been lackluster.
Globally, success stories abound:
Rwanda leads with 61.3% female parliamentary representation
Mexico has over 48% female lawmakers
Senegal and South Africa both exceed 40%
Even countries like India have introduced quotas for women in local councils
The APC must seize this moment to implement similar strategies, including:
Mandating at least one female councillorship candidate per ward
Ensuring female aspirants are not sidelined through internal zoning or consensus politics
Providing training and financial support to women contestants
Loyalty, Cooperation, and Unity Are Non-Negotiable
The committee must be more than administrative—it must be visionary. Loyalty to the party’s ideals, structures, and leadership must guide every decision. Members of the committee are encouraged to cooperate harmoniously, working not as individual power centers but as a unified engine of progress.
The internal fractures of recent years—whether from local feuds or leadership tussles—must give way to party healing. Strategic positioning should be about winning elections together, not excluding perceived rivals. Every ward won, every chairmanship seat secured, should reflect a collective effort.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
B.K. Ogala, SAN, and the distinguished members of this Electoral Committee have a rare opportunity—not just to conduct elections, but to reshape the APC’s future. By building a strong, inclusive, and loyal party base at the grassroots level, they can set in motion a movement that leads to a resounding APC victory in 2027.
That work begins now—with fairness, vision, unity, and the courage to give women and loyal party builders their rightful place in history.
Dr. G. A. Fraser. MFR
Editor, HeadlineNews.News.
The National Patriots
“Lagos APC’s Local Polls: A Test of Unity, Inclusion, and Grassroots Strength” – Political Leader.
“B.K. Ogala SAN’s Committee and the Road to APC’s 2027 Victory” This is my opinion of this piece. Please continue to write more and support us. We need deep thinkers like you. It’s a big assignment and I know Ogala will succeed by God’s grace. It’s a good selection for Chairmanship. We are all with him.
– Member, House of Assembly
“Building from the Base: Why the 2025 Local Elections Must Unite Lagos APC”. This write-up helps to outline the target of the committee. Lagos has the highest voters next to Kano and Rivers. This is a huge responsibility for Ogala. He will need to be a diplomat, politician, strategist, pastor and leader. A litmus test. Lagos is not an easy place to handle. May God help him to succeed. Amen. Thanks for this article. Good one. – Former Senator.
“Foundation for a Landslide: The Strategic Importance of the 2025 APC Local Government Elections” I think this post is great. It hits the nail on the heads. It’s a tough assignment. May God help Ogala. Amen. Good suggestions. Please keep up the support as he needs it. – Member, House of Representatives
“From Controversy to Cohesion: Can Ogala’s Committee Heal the Lagos APC?”. Impressive report, I like your analysis and realise a huge responsibility is on Ogala. I wish him the best as it’s not an easy one. Lagos APC requires major surgery to heal. – Legal Luminary.
“Fielding Winners, Not Factions: A Call for Unity and Women Inclusion in APC’s Local Polls”. – Elder Statesman.
“Let the Women Lead Too: A Call for Equal Representation in APC’s Local Elections” Nice article. I pray they consider these suggestions. – Former Women Leader.
“Inclusive Politics Begins at the Grassroots: Why APC Must Prioritize Women in 2025” Interesting article, well written – Female Councillorship Aspirant.
“APC’s Women Problem: The 2025 Local Polls Are a Chance to Fix It” – Funmilayo Oludare.
“A House Built on Unity: How the 2025 Elections Can Cement APC’s Future” Good piece. Hope they make use of the suggestions in this write up. – Former Governor
“One Party, One Purpose: Ogala’s Chance to Unite, Include, and Win”- Prof. Oluwole.
“From Foundation to Fortress: Rebuilding APC Loyalty Through Local Leadership” – The National Patriots.
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