Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed his deputy, Kadri Hamzat, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The endorsement was made at Lagos House, Marina, during a meeting attended by members of the State Executive Council, APC leaders, all 57 local government chairmen, and chairmen of local council development areas.
Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat possesses the capacity, experience, and deep understanding of governance required to lead the state.
“At the end of the day, with the consultations we’ve had—and it was unanimous in that room—the deputy governor is a man who is fit and ready. He has been well prepared for this job,” the governor said.
Describing Hamzat’s readiness in emphatic terms, he added: “He has been well groomed, well prepared, and thoroughly equipped for this responsibility.”
Consultations ahead of 2027
Ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Hamzat has been engaging in consultations with key figures within the ruling party.
On Sunday, he met with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of ongoing political consultations.
The meeting was attended by several political stakeholders, including the Secretary of the Governors’ Advisory Council, Muti Are; Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; Bode Oyedele; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Adekunle Olayinka; and the Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Hakeem Shittu, among others.
Speaking during the meeting, Obanikoro said the delegation was seeking Gbajabiamila’s support for Hamzat, describing him as a seasoned politician well grounded in Lagos politics and capable of sustaining the state’s governance structure.
In his remarks, Hamzat said Nigeria must not fail, expressing confidence in the APC’s prospects at both federal and state levels. He described the party as well structured and stressed the importance of maintaining its leadership cohesion.
He also noted that sustaining the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu was essential, adding that the party must make the right choice of governorship candidate to preserve stability in Lagos State.
In a post on his X handle, Hamzat said: “We discussed the direction of our state and the work required to move it forward. It remains our shared responsibility to strengthen Lagos and continue delivering better outcomes for our people. I am focused and clear about the work ahead.”
