By BENJAMIN OMOIKE, LAGOS, Nigeria – The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress, APC, flagbearer in the 2027 general election in the state.
Upon his victory, Hamzat pledged to build an inclusive, economically vibrant and globally competitive Lagos if elected governor in the 2027 general election.
Delivering his acceptance speech on Thursday night, after emerging as the APC candidate, Hamzat said his ambition was driven by a deep commitment to sustain and expand the developmental strides recorded in Lagos over the past 27 years under successive progressive administrations.
Hamzat said his vision, tagged “My Lagos Dream,” would focus on service delivery, job creation, knowledge and skills development, as well as health and wellbeing.
The APC candidate promised to work for all Lagosians, including traders, artisans, transport workers, youths, professionals and investors, stressing that no segment of society would be left behind.
“I will work for all Lagosians — the fisherman in Badagry and Epe, the trader in Oyingbo and Balogun, the youths in tech hubs, the hardworking driver, mechanic, hawker and businessman. I will work for them all,” he declared.
Hamzat said Lagos must continue to lead as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and remain at the forefront of economic and social transformation in Africa.
He also pledged to continue the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former governors of Lagos State, including Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Highlighting his experience in public service, Hamzat recalled serving as Commissioner for Science and Technology and later Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he contributed to major projects including the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, system, Lagos Blue and Red Rail Lines, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and Adiyan Water Works project.
He said his administration would continue massive investments in transport infrastructure, youth employment, innovation, education, healthcare and security.
Hamzat also thanked President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Governance Advisory Council, APC leaders and party members across Lagos for their support and confidence in his candidacy.
“Together, we will continue to build a Lagos that works for all,” he said.
Earlier, the APC Returning Officer for Lagos State, Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong (retd), declared Hamzat winner of the party’s direct governorship primary election conducted across the state.
Announcing the result, retired Brigadier-General Temlong, said Hamzat polled 657,917 votes to defeat Lanre Jim Kamal, who scored one vote, out of a total of 657,947 party members accredited.
He said a third candidate, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Àjọṣe submitted a letter to withdraw from the contest.
Also, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended party members for their peaceful conduct, orderliness and support throughout the primary exercise.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senators representing Lagos at the National Assembly.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Senators at the National Assembly, State lawmakers, Council Chairmen and other party faithful.
