Lagos 2027: Obasa, Obanikoro Throw Weight Behind Hamzat

Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos have thrown their weight behind the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, declaring that his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election is already settled.

The endorsement came from key figures including the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and former minister and senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, during Hamzat’s ongoing consultation visits across the state.

They also urged party members and residents to rally behind President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, stressing that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos “should not be allowed to repeat itself.”

Hosting Hamzat at his residence in Ikeja, Obasa said the decision on the party’s candidate had effectively been made.

“I had discussions with those that matter, but the conclusion is that Hamzat will carry the banner of the party. We love you, we support you and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” he said.

He added, “I just returned from Abuja and the conversation remains the same, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State.”

On his part, Obanikoro praised Hamzat’s track record, noting that his experience and competence position him well to lead the state.

He said an objective look at the deputy governor’s pedigree shows that Lagos is ready to be led by a committed technocrat, adding that the state must continue on its path of growth and development.

Similarly, former senator Ganiyu Solomon called on residents of Mushin to come out in large numbers during the elections to support Tinubu, Hamzat and other APC candidates. He urged Nigerians to ignore critics of the APC-led administration.

At the party secretariat in Ogba, Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, also reaffirmed the party’s backing for Hamzat.

“We support you, we trust you and we are confident of your competence and humility,” he said.

Responding, Hamzat said Lagos remains too important to Nigeria’s progress to be left to chance, while calling for unity within the party.

“We must ensure that what happened in 2023 does not repeat itself in 2027. We must secure a resounding victory for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and for the APC in Lagos,” he said.

He also accused opposition elements of trying to “de-market” the current administration, insisting that such efforts were driven by their inability to win elections.

Meanwhile, an aspirant for Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, Mayowa Israel Alakija, has called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election and maintain APC’s hold at both the federal and state levels.

Alakija said continuity in leadership would help Nigerians fully benefit from ongoing reforms, adding that sustained APC governance would ensure long-term development.

Lagos APC, Obafemi Hamzat, Mudashiru Obasa, Musiliu Obanikoro, Bola Tinubu, 2027 elections, Lagos politics, APC endorsement, Ganiyu Solomon, Cornelius Ojelabi, Mayowa Alakija, governorship race, party unity