… Historic UK launch brings together political stakeholders and Nigerians in the Diaspora to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of 2027
Ejibunu Mercy
The Lagos Grassroots Alliance (LGA) has officially launched its Diaspora Chapter in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, with the inauguration of its Executive Council, marking a significant milestone in the Alliance’s organisational expansion and its commitment to strengthening connections between Lagos and Nigerians living abroad.
The events brought together political leaders, party stakeholders, campaign representatives, and members of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom.
The programmes featured goodwill messages, a presentation on stakeholder mapping, the presentation of LGA’s vision and mission, the inauguration of the Diaspora Executive Council, and discussions on Diaspora engagement and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among the distinguished personalities present were Asipa Doyin Banjo, Financial Secretary, APC Lagos State; Hon. Babatunde Doherty, Chairman APC UK Chapter, Hon. Kappo Samuel, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs – Tertiary Education and Member of the LGA Board of Trustees; Mr. Duro Adeboye, Member of the Education Directorate, PBAT/KOH Campaign Council; and Hon. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, Convener of Lagos Grassroots Alliance.
In his address, the LGA Convener, Hon. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, delivered a presentation on Stakeholder Mapping, highlighting the importance of identifying critical stakeholders, understanding electoral trends, and strengthening political engagement at the grassroots. Drawing attention to electoral developments in Lagos State across successive election cycles since 2003, Falana examined changes in the party’s electoral performance and the lessons these trends offer for future political organisation. He emphasised the importance of strategic planning, effective coordination, stakeholder relationships, and sustained engagement with communities, underscoring the need to understand local dynamics and translate strategic analysis into practical grassroots engagement.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Executive Council of the LGA Diaspora Chapter which was conducted by Hon. Babatunde Dohery, Chairman of APC UK. The newly inaugurated officers are Hon. Adedamola Rotimi Oladini-Cole as Diaspora Coordinator; Hon. Sunkanmi Onafowokan as Diaspora Deputy Coordinator; Hon. Olarewaju Toheeb Lawal as UK Coordinator; Oluwaseyi Jonathan Arewa as Diaspora Secretary; Hon. Omolola Atilola Okuyiga as Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson; and Olanrewaju Lukman Akanbi as Diaspora Technology, Infrastructure and Security Lead. The inauguration establishes a formal leadership structure to coordinate the chapter’s activities, strengthen communication among members, and advance the Alliance’s objectives within the Diaspora community. The newly inaugurated executives are expected to support the organisation of programmes, stakeholder engagement, communication, technology and infrastructure coordination, and grassroots mobilisation initiatives.
The programme also featured a declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and for Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate for Lagos State in the 2027 elections. Participants discussed the importance of sustained engagement with communities and stakeholders across Lagos State, and expressed the aspiration that Nigerians in the Diaspora would eventually be able to vote in Nigerian elections from their countries of residence, describing it as a goal for future democratic participation.
Following the successful inauguration in Milton Keynes, the Alliance moved its engagement to Birmingham, where the delegation was welcomed by a large turnout of Nigerians drawn from across England and Scotland. The second leg of the Diaspora outreach consolidated the momentum from the launch and extended the Alliance’s message of grassroots participation beyond its newly inaugurated structure. The Birmingham gathering saw members of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom reaffirm their solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and with Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate for Lagos State in the 2027 elections. Participants also engaged in discussions on Diaspora participation, community development, and the importance of sustained connections between Nigerians abroad and their communities at home.
