Party Supremacy and 2027 Endorsements

Former member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Honourable Ganiyu A Johnson (GAJ), has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Johnson, who also pledged support for all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Lagos State, said his decision was informed by the supremacy of the party and the need for members to rally behind candidates who emerged from its primaries. The former lawmaker explained that he was prepared to work towards the victory of the party’s candidates by mobilising his supporters and engaging residents at the grassroots level.

Explaining his public declaration after a period away from the political scene following the primaries, Johnson noted that he had deliberately taken time off to allow political tensions to cool down before clarifying his stance.

Since the primaries, unfortunately, this is my first time appearing in Lagos. I decided to take some time off to cool down and allow everyone to breathe. To start with, the party has taken a decision. The party is supreme in everything we do as party members. Everybody knows that the party is supreme. Now that a candidate has emerged, there is nothing else to do but support the party.

— Honourable Ganiyu A Johnson, Former Member of the House of Representatives, All Progressives Congress

Johnson dismissed suggestions that his temporary absence meant he was stepping away from active politics, reaffirming his loyalty to the party hierarchy and pledging that he and his followers would do everything possible to secure victory for APC candidates across the board.

Grassroots Mobilisation and Constituency Demographics

Addressing the challenge of securing electoral support in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, which features a multi-ethnic population comprising Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and other communities, Johnson acknowledged the strategic significance of the constituency's demographic composition in electoral calculations.

He explained that the APC is sustaining its grassroots engagement across all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, stating that electoral success requires broad-based interaction rather than reliance solely on committed party faithful. According to Johnson, deliberate efforts must be made to win the confidence of voters who do not traditionally identify with the APC.

Even among the Yoruba, we still find some people who do not fully support our party. For any party, the percentage of committed supporters may be around 15 per cent, while the remaining 85 per cent are the wider electorate. That is why you have to work very hard to win an election. Within that 85 per cent, the demographic composition is also significant, which explains why the party must work very hard to secure victory.

— Honourable Ganiyu A Johnson, Former Member of the House of Representatives, All Progressives Congress

The former lawmaker noted that candidate acceptability and character remain vital prerequisites for electoral success, describing the party's outreach efforts as an ongoing learning process to expand its support base and overcome existing political hurdles.

Voter Participation and Electoral Conduct

Responding to concerns regarding voter apathy, particularly in Yoruba communities, Johnson expressed optimism that citizen participation will increase significantly during the 2027 general elections. He attributed this outlook to widespread advocacy aimed at educating the public on civic responsibilities.

Johnson urged eligible voters to participate in determining their leadership, while also addressing concerns regarding electoral security and credibility. He cautioned against holding only the APC accountable for election management, pointing to assurances provided by the electoral umpire.

Please, do not personalise this issue to the APC. INEC has made it clear that the election will be free, fair and credible. The first step is to encourage our people to come out and vote. That is why, when you asked about voter participation, I said I believe many people will come out to vote. Since INEC has assured Nigerians that the election will be free, fair and credible, the responsibility of every eligible citizen is to come out and exercise their civic duty.

— Honourable Ganiyu A Johnson, Former Member of the House of Representatives, All Progressives Congress

Assuring the electorate of a non-violent process, Johnson advised eligible citizens, particularly newly eligible youth, to exercise their franchise peacefully and remain at their polling units until their votes are counted.

Campaign Structure and Independent Support

On the question of whether he would formally join the campaign trail through the party's established committee architecture and community councils, Johnson clarified that he had not been appointed to those specific bodies.

He stated that the operational structure of the campaign is being administered by the APC leadership through designated committees with defined assignments, emphasizing that his exclusion from these panels would not hinder his commitment to the party.

The party has established different committees and community councils, with several members assigned to various responsibilities. I am not a member of those committees. However, I will continue to support the party in my own capacity. I will also continue to encourage and engage my supporters to support the party.

— Honourable Ganiyu A Johnson, Former Member of the House of Representatives, All Progressives Congress

Johnson concluded by reiterating that he will continue to mobilise and consult with his local support networks independently to bolster the electoral fortunes of President Tinubu, Dr. Hamzat, and other APC candidates in Lagos State.