Hon. Ganiyu Johnson Declares Support for Tinubu, Hamzat Ahead of 2027 Elections

Hon. Ganiyu Johnson Declares Support for Tinubu, Hamzat Ahead of 2027 Elections

…..Urges Voters to Exercise Civic Rights Without Fear

By Naomi Onome

Former lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Lagos State, Engr. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Johnson made the declaration during a meeting with his supporters and journalists in Lagos, marking his first public appearance in the state since the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

Explaining his decision to step back from public political activities after the primaries, the former federal lawmaker said he had deliberately taken time to cool off before announcing his position, stressing that party supremacy must take precedence over individual ambitions.

Johnson added that his decision reflected the position of his supporters, who had agreed to rally behind Tinubu for a second term as president, Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, and other APC candidates at all levels.

“This is to let the whole world know that my supporters have agreed to support our president, our father and our mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to be president of Nigeria for the second time. We also support the deputy governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, as governor of Lagos State, and all other party candidates at all levels,” he said.

The former lawmaker, who described himself as a committed party member and political leader, said he remained actively involved in politics and would do everything within his capacity to support the party’s candidates.

Responding to questions about his political future, Johnson dismissed suggestions that he was taking a break from politics, insisting that his commitment to the APC remained intact.

He, however, clarified that his participation in campaign activities would depend partly on the party’s arrangements, noting that he was not a member of the campaign councils already constituted.

“If I am invited, I will participate. I will continue to support and encourage my supporters to support the party in my own capacity,” he said.

Johnson Highlights Challenge of Mobilising Lagos’ Diverse Electorate

Addressing concerns about the APC’s prospects in his constituency, Johnson acknowledged the challenges of mobilising support in an area with a diverse ethnic and cultural composition.

He noted that the constituency’s demographic structure required sustained grassroots mobilisation and dialogue, adding that the party needed to work harder to win the confidence of voters across different backgrounds.

According to him, political parties must present candidates who are acceptable to the electorate and possess good character to stand a strong chance of winning elections in such an environment.

“It is a work in progress. It is a learning curve for our party. We hope we will get there. We will continue to partner with electorates and engage them in discussions,” he said.

Johnson expressed hope that sustained engagement with residents from different ethnic backgrounds would strengthen the party’s relationship with the electorate.

On concerns about voter apathy, he predicted increased participation in the forthcoming elections, attributing the anticipated improvement to ongoing advocacy and mobilisation efforts.

Calls for Peaceful, Credible Elections

Johnson also urged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process without fear, following concerns raised by journalists about voter safety and the need for free, fair and credible elections.

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had assured Nigerians of a credible electoral process and urged citizens to exercise their civic rights by turning out to vote.

The former lawmaker also encouraged voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots to witness the counting process before leaving.

“I want to encourage everybody to come, vote, carry out your civic responsibility, and make sure that after casting your vote, you wait and let them count it before you go,” he said.

Dismissing concerns about election-related violence, Johnson described himself as a non-violent person and said his supporters were familiar with his disposition.

The declaration signals Johnson’s stated commitment to supporting the APC’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the party’s primaries and the political realignments among its members and supporters.