By Israel Adamu, Jos
A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Central has endorsed Olumide Kola-Lawal as its preferred candidate for the Lagos Central Senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The endorsement was announced in a statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Ishola Badmus, and Secretary-General, Lanre Mudashiru. The group described Kola-Lawal as “the most credible and unifying option” for the district and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership to support his emergence in the interest of fairness and party stability.
According to the group, Kola-Lawal embodies the forward-looking leadership required to strengthen internal cohesion within the ruling party. “We make this call not on the basis of sentiment, but from a long-standing conviction that Olumide represents the future of progressive leadership in our party and Lagos State. He is calm, visionary, tested, and trusted,” the statement noted.
The group added that Kola-Lawal has remained one of the APC’s most consistent loyalists since its formation in 2013. “This is a matter of equity and justice. Our senatorial district has played its part in building and sustaining this party from the days of the CPC–ACN merger, of which Kola-Lawal has been a loyal and consistent member. Going into the 2027 race, it is both timely and just that he is given the opportunity to lead.”
Kola-Lawal, who previously contested for office in 2015, is described as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in legislative, diplomatic, and party affairs. The group emphasized that he has “no baggage, no history of factionalism, and no record of backroom deals,” positioning him as a dependable choice for the Senate seat.
“We have watched Olumide closely — in his constituency work, his career as an international development expert, and his service within the party. He exudes discipline, strategic thinking, and humility. These are the qualities our party needs at the center right now,” the group said.
The statement further stressed that Nigeria’s evolving democracy requires political leadership rooted in inclusion and balance. It noted that Kola-Lawal represents “a safe pair of hands” capable of uniting key blocs and advancing a cohesive national agenda for the APC.
The group also urged President Tinubu to support efforts that promote fairness and internal democracy—principles they say he championed during his years as national leader of the party. “The President has a historic opportunity to reinforce party unity by supporting a process that is inclusive and consultative. Supporting Olumide Kola-Lawal for Senate is a firm step in that direction.”
They called on stakeholders across Lagos State to help “restore integrity, loyalty, and inclusiveness” in party leadership, emphasizing a shift away from divisive politicking. “We are not asking for a handout. We are demanding what is right for Lagos Central and for the APC. We want a party led by visionaries who will secure its future,” the group added.
In recent days, several youth and women’s organizations across the state have also endorsed Kola-Lawal, describing him as “a servant leader with the right temperament.”
