A significant political shift occurred in Lagos State as a group of former Labour Party members officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a mega rally held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday, just days before the upcoming local government elections.
The defection was led by Femi Badia, the Labour Party chairman in Apapa Local Government Area, who brought several members from Lagos Central into the ruling party's fold.
Speaking at the event, Badia explained that their decision was influenced by the developmental achievements of President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
"We are here today to become part of the progressive movement. We have been inspired by the remarkable achievements of President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos. This is our formal declaration of membership and our firm commitment to support President Tinubu's re-election in 2027. I can assure you that we will deliver our polling units come Saturday," Badia stated.
The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, welcomed the new members by presenting them with the party's flag and commended their decision to join the ruling party.
"I congratulate you for embracing the vision of the progressives and aligning with the achievements of our leader, President Bola Tinubu. In the APC, hard work is always recognised. You have chosen to be on the side of progress after witnessing what we've accomplished in Lagos State," Ojelabi said during the ceremony.
Regarding the upcoming July 12 local government elections, Ojelabi expressed confidence that APC would secure victory across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State. He described the mega rally as a fitting culmination to the party's campaign activities.
The APC chairman also encouraged party members to actively engage non-Yoruba-speaking residents of the state, urging them to support and vote for APC in the forthcoming polls.
"We started our campaign in peace and we are rounding it off today. We thank God we are alive, hale and healthy," he said. "Today, we are wrapping up our mega rally, but the door-to-door campaign is still ongoing. I appreciate all of you, especially the women and the youths. We have no doubt that come July 12, you will cast your votes for the APC for a better future."
The defection comes at a critical time as Lagos State prepares for local government elections, which political analysts suggest could reshape the grassroots political landscape in Nigeria's commercial capital.
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