Hamzat Inspires A New Era Of Peaceful Elections

Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, the deputy governor of Lagos State, has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members to abstain from violence during elections, arguing that ideas and service should take precedence over conflict in political contests.

Following his participation in the APC governorship primary election at Ward A4, which took place at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School in the Epe Local Government Area, Hamzat gave a speech.

He emphasized that there was no justification for party members to use violence and claimed that the primaries were intended to further development and maintain progress in Lagos.

“It’s a competition of ideas. How do we move our people forward? We intend to develop the state, so we don’t need to fight. As you can see, we are peaceful, and that is the momentum we are taking into the election.”

“We must thank members of our party for believing in the APC. I appreciate all participants for coming out to vote. The reports we are getting across the state are peaceful, and we are applauding the whole process.”

“We understand the history and geography of our state, and we believe we are the best party to continue delivering progress and building a state that will empower our children and grandchildren.”

Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who monitored the exercise in Epe, praised party members for maintaining peace since the commencement of the primaries.

“I stand before you to appreciate your commitment towards sustaining democracy and supporting our party. Most importantly, I thank this ward for its peaceful conduct since the commencement of the primaries,” Ojelabi said.

Chairman of the seven-man governorship primary committee, retired Gen. John Temlong, also commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, saying it was in line with APC guidelines and the Electoral Act.

“What we are seeing in Lagos speaks volumes about how democracy has taken root. We want a peaceful process because it is the people giving their mandate to whoever they want to lead them from 2027,” he said.

Returning Officer Kayode Eleshin later announced that Hamzat secured 2,210 votes in Ward A4 under the Option A4 voting system.

According to him, 2,432 party members were accredited out of the 2,720 registered members for the exercise.

We believe that elections should be a peaceful and harmonious process, reflecting the true will of the people. It is important to remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair but an opportunity to strengthen our democracy and unity. Let us all commit to conducting elections with civility, respect, and patience, ensuring a bright and stable future for our nation.