By Daisi Oso
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1In every thriving democracy, political contests are inevitable, and so are the passions, expectations, and sometimes, disappointments that follow them. The recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter Local Government Party Primaries were no exception. As expected in a political family as vast, vibrant, and dynamic as ours, differing interests were expressed, loyalties tested, and aspirations unveiled. Amid it all, however, one truth remains sacred — the supremacy of the party.
The Party Is Supreme.
This principle isn’t a slogan; it’s the very lifeblood of organised democracy. It reminds us that while individual ambitions and personal preferences matter, the collective interest of the party and the ideals we all represent must always come first. In every contest, there will be winners and those who must wait for another season. It is the nature of politics. What defines us as progressives and loyal party men and women is how we respond after the primaries are conducted.
As a party, the APC has consistently demonstrated resilience, discipline, and unity, especially in Lagos State. Our strength lies not only in our resilient and committed members but also in our capacity to rally around our choices and move forward, stronger and more determined after every internal contest. It is no gainsaying that the Lagos APC has set enviable standards for political stability and governance in Nigeria and it is incumbent on all of us to sustain this legacy.
To those who emerged victorious, hearty congratulations! Your triumphs are far beyond personal milestones; they are a solemn call to higher responsibility and selfless leadership. You now stand as standard-bearers of our collective ideals, and it is imperative that you lead with humility, magnanimity, an open heart, and above all, the fear of God who, in His infinite wisdom, made it possible for you to emerge. Always bear in mind that your emergence was not by mere chance, but by a combination of spiritual ordination and physical support. Spiritually, it is evident that God, in His divine arrangement, has chosen you for such a time as this; therefore, let your actions reflect charity, generosity, and grace. Physically, you must acknowledge that your success was made possible through the structure and platform provided by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the collective sacrifices of members at every level — those who stood with you and those who did not. Every single contribution, visible or silent, played a part in your victory.
Conversely, to those who did not secure the ticket this time, you have demonstrated uncommon courage and admirable loyalty to the democratic process. Now is the time to rally around those who emerged, for the strength of our party lies in its unity after every contest. Speaking from personal experience as one who has contested elections, won some, and lost some — and having served as the former Assistant Publicity Secretary and later Acting Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Lagos State in 1993, during a period when our respected leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, was restrained from performing his duties as Chairman due to an interlocutory injunction obtained against our group, known as Primrose in Lagos State SDP. In his absence, I was entrusted with the role of Acting Chairman, a responsibility that earned me the fond appellation “Arole”. Indeed, I fully understand how painful and disappointing the outcome of a lost election can be. Yet, at every point in my political journey, I have learned to embrace victories with altruism and accept losses with dignity, always rising to support those who won. If in doubt or you think this writer does not know how it pinches , you may ask Hon. Kehinde Almaroof (KENDOO), the incumbent Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government in 2021 when I graciously turned in my support base to him and we all campaigned to victory. Understand this: no single election defines your worth, relevance, or long-term contribution to our progressive family. Thus, take inspiration from the likes of former President Muhammadu Buhari, of our own clime,who faced multiple presidential elections defeats before destiny, through God’s mercy and the unflinching support of a dream-bearer like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent President of Nigeria, turned his story around. Who knows? Perhaps tomorrow, an “Asiwaju” of your destiny will step into your boat and you too will become a cornerstone where you were once a rejected stone. So, I urge you to stay resilient, remain loyal, and continue to press forward. Greater doors are ahead of those who endure.
Again I repeat this is not the time for division, bitterness, or recriminations, but a time to come together to support our party and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who needs our cooperation to succeed in the onerous task of repositioning our great country, Nigeria, for the good of all, let’s reaffirm our faith in the APC, and work collectively towards the greater task ahead, delivering good governance and consolidating the party’s dominance in Lagos State and at the Federal level.
As progressives, we must continue to demonstrate that our loyalty to the party is unswerving, whether we are at the forefront or in the supportive trenches. Our unity is our strength, and our discipline is our badge of honour.
Let us remember: the party is supreme The APC is bigger than any individual’s interest, and collectively, we will continue to build a Lagos that works for all.
Let me use this platform to congratulate Hon. Kehinde Almaroof the Chairman of my local government on his victory at the primary election of our party, as usual my support will be put on the table towards the general elections coming up.
Long Live the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Daisi Oso is an Architect, Town Planner and a Political Activist wrote from Oshodi in Lagos State
