By Matthew Johnson

The Lagos State chapter of the Allied Peoples’ Movement ,APM, on Thursday formally affirmed Laja Adeoye as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election, with a promise to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress APC and reposition Lagos through what he described as an “inclusive prosperity” agenda.

Adeoye was affirmed during the party’s primary election and candidate affirmation held in Lagos, where party leaders, delegates, traditional rulers, religious leaders and supporters gathered to endorse candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly seats.

Adeoye said Lagos had suffered years of leadership failure, that the state’s development had fallen short of expectations despite its status as Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Adeoye unveiled what he called Atutu Eko 1.0, a governance blueprint aimed at “re-engineering Lagos for inclusive prosperity,” promising measurable targets and reforms across key sectors. Stressing the the APC-led administration of failing to address recurring urban problems, including flooding, poor housing and economic hardship.

On infrastructure, he said his administration would prioritise drainage systems, independent power projects and major road and bridge construction to improve mobility and reduce perennial flooding.

On security, Laja unveils his plans to strengthen law enforcement through state and community policing structures, including the establishment of Amotekun in Lagos been the only state excluded out of the south west.

Adeoye said the consensus process was lawful and followed consultations across all 20 local government areas of the state, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) present.

Adeoye disclosed that his political movement evolved from an alliance involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following internal challenges within the opposition party.

He also hinted at a broader coalition involving several political parties ahead of the 2027 election, expressing confidence that APM would emerge victorious in Lagos with the great movement for positivity in Lagos.

According to him, major infrastructure often credited to the state government, including key bridges, were executed when Lagos served as the federal capital under military administrations.

Adeoye said : “ I will pursue massive infrastructure renewal, tackle flooding, improve housing, healthcare and education, and create jobs through public-private partnerships and industrial development if elected .

“We are going to do significant projects in Lagos that will become landmarks for generations unborn and make accessibility to every part of Lagos easier for our people. We will build a megacity befitting of Lagos.

“For too long, Lagos has been governed with reckless impunity. What I call development has brought hunger, poverty and hopelessness to many residents.

“Solutions to heartless demolitions without alternatives as been part of my agenda and I will remove bottlenecks to investment, support small businesses, develop Lagos’ blue economy and establish industrial hubs across the state.

“We will overhaul education completely with emphasis on technology, entrepreneurship, stem and vocational skills. Our youth will be properly equipped to take jobs that are currently going to expatriates.”

“I also vowed to tackle ethnic divisions often associated with elections in Lagos, with what I termed ‘One Lagos’ built on inclusivity. We are campaigning for an inclusive Lagos that gives opportunities to every Lagosian irrespective of where you come from, as long as you obey the law and respect our culture, Lagos will be a place of prosperity for all.

“The process did not start today. It has been seamless and legal. Our members across the 20 local governments affirmed me as the governorship candidate of APM because we all believe in better Lagos and new Lagos.

“What you are seeing today is only the beginning,” he said. We are building a formidable coalition, and by the grace of God, Lagos will vote for change in 2027.” Laja said