Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Hamzat on Emergence as Lagos APC Governorship Candidate

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, following his emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

Sanwo-Olu conveyed his message in a statement issued on Friday after Hamzat was declared winner of the APC direct primary election conducted across Lagos State on Thursday.

The governor described Hamzat’s emergence as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in him by APC members and Lagos residents.

“On behalf of my family, I congratulate Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the standard bearer of our great party, the APC, in next year’s gubernatorial election in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He said he was confident that Hamzat’s leadership vision would further strengthen the growth and development of Lagos State if elected governor.

“It is my belief that your personal vision for the continuous growth and development of our state will be for the benefit of all,” the governor added.

Sanwo-Olu also praised party loyalists for their peaceful conduct during the primary process and commended APC members for demonstrating unity and discipline across polling centres in the state.

According to him, the large turnout recorded during the exercise reflected strong support for Hamzat’s candidacy and confidence in his ability to continue the policies and programmes of the current administration.

The Lagos governor urged party members to remain united and committed as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

“There is still more work ahead of us as a party, and I urge all members to remain united and committed to the progress of Lagos State and the success of our great party,” he said.

Hamzat’s emergence formally positions him as the APC flagbearer in the race to succeed Sanwo-Olu, whose second term as governor will expire in 2027.

The deputy governor has long been regarded as one of the most experienced technocrats within Lagos politics, having previously served as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure before becoming deputy governor.

Political observers say his emergence reflects the continued influence of established APC structures in Lagos and the party’s preference for continuity in governance.

Hamzat’s candidacy also reinforces the long-standing political tradition in Lagos where deputy governors and senior party figures often emerge as successors through carefully managed party processes.

The APC primary attracted significant attention nationwide because Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of the country’s most politically influential states.

Analysts believe the governorship race in Lagos will play a major role in shaping political momentum ahead of the broader 2027 elections.

Opposition parties are also expected to intensify consultations and coalition efforts as they prepare to challenge the APC’s dominance in the state.