A support group in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Youth Support Group (YSG), has appealed to the party’s leadership to adopt a ward-level mobilisation strategy, “27 Legends” to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of future elections.
The group’s leader, John Babatunde Kolawole, said the initiative was designed to recognise and motivate committed party members while deepening grassroots participation nationwide.
Kolawole explained that the concept emerged from a review of APC activities in Baruwa Ward, Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State, between 2014 and 2017. According to him, the initiative is built around identifying and honouring party faithful who have consistently contributed to the growth and success of the APC at various levels.
“The ’27 Legends’ were nominated based on their active participation in APC activities from the zone, ward, local government and federal constituency levels. It is a civic model for mobilising the grassroots as we prepare for future elections,” he said.
The YSG urged APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the party’s grassroots mobilisation campaign leader, Hope Uzodinma, to adopt the framework nationwide, citing its potential to enhance grassroots mobilisation, youth development, political participation and party cohesion.
According to the group, the initiative could also help increase electoral support for the APC, improve communication of government policies and programmes, reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen the connection between the party’s national leadership and its grassroots base.
Kolawole noted that the proposed model could be piloted during the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State before being expanded to other parts of the country.
He said the initiative aligns with recent calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increased ward-level engagement and stronger grassroots structures within the party.
The YSG leader, who previously served as APC Ward E Secretary in Baruwa, Alimosho, added that the initiative seeks to institutionalise recognition for grassroots party workers who often receive little attention despite their contributions to electoral victories.
“The strength of any political party lies in its grassroots. The ’27 Legends’ initiative is aimed at ensuring that loyal party members who dedicate their time, energy and resources to the party’s success are recognised and encouraged,” he said.
With the forthcoming governorship elections and preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the group expressed confidence that the “27 Legends” model could provide a sustainable, bottom-up approach to political mobilisation and party building across the country.
