APC leaders rally behind Hamzat after Sanwo Olu endorsement in Lagos
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed his deputy, Kadri Hamzat, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos.
Sanwo Olu made the declaration at Lagos House in Marina, in the presence of members of the state executive council and party leaders, signalling an early consolidation of support within the ruling party.
Also in attendance were the 57 local government chairmen and chairmen of local council development areas, underscoring what insiders described as a coordinated endorsement across party structures in the state.
The governor said Hamzat possesses the experience and institutional knowledge required to lead Lagos, describing him as prepared for the demands of the office.
“At the end of the day, with the consultation that we are doing, it was unanimous among all of us in that room that the deputy governor is fit and ready,” Sanwo Olu said. “He has been well prepared and groomed for this responsibility.”
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, has intensified consultations with key stakeholders in recent days as part of efforts to secure broad backing within the party.
As part of that outreach, he met with Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, alongside members of the influential Governance Advisory Council and other party figures.
Among those present at the meeting were Musiliu Obanikoro, who led discussions and appealed for Gbajabiamila’s support, as well as other party stakeholders.
Obanikoro said Hamzat’s deep roots in Lagos politics position him strongly for the governorship contest, but stressed the importance of unity among party leaders to secure victory.
In his remarks, Hamzat emphasised the need for continuity in governance, both at the state and federal levels. He expressed confidence in the APC’s organisational strength and its prospects in the 2027 elections.
He also pointed to the economic direction under Tinubu’s administration, arguing that stability must be sustained through careful selection of candidates.
“We discussed the direction of our state and the work required to move it forward,” Hamzat wrote on his X account. “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.”