Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated the state’s Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.
Ambode, in a statement released on Thursday, described Hamzat as a loyal party man whose years of dedication and commitment to the APC earned him the endorsement of party leaders.
He praised Hamzat’s extensive consultations within the party, noting that his emergence reflects his steadfast adherence to the ideals of unity and progress.
“Your adoption as our party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the party for over two decades,” Ambode said, expressing confidence in Hamzat’s ability to lead Lagos effectively.
The former governor added that the state stands to benefit from Hamzat’s wealth of experience in governance, having served in key roles, including Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and currently as Deputy Governor.
Ambode also used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring his commitment to the President’s re-election bid.
According to him, the continued progress of Lagos and Nigeria is closely tied to Tinubu’s leadership at the national level.
“I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President,” he said.
He pledged to mobilise widespread support for the APC in Lagos, setting an ambitious target of three million votes for Tinubu in the state during the 2027 election.
Ambode further called for unity within the party, urging members to ensure that all APC candidates contesting for Senate and House of Representatives seats are returned to the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Hamzat’s emergence as the party’s preferred candidate follows a series of high-level endorsements within the Lagos APC.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier publicly endorsed him as his preferred successor, a move later backed by the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The council, chaired by Tajudeen Olusi, unanimously adopted Hamzat and even resolved to purchase his nomination form.
The endorsement was subsequently presented to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the decision received further backing.
Speaking after the meeting, Hamzat acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but expressed confidence in his experience and preparedness for the role.
Despite the consensus arrangement, party leaders have indicated that the APC will still conduct its primaries in line with its guidelines ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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