Politics2 hrs ago

Lagos Speaker Backs Deputy Governor Hamzat for 2027 Governorship Bid

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa endorsed Deputy Governor Olufemi Hamzat as Lagos’ next governor, promising full APC support ahead of the 2027 election.

Nadia Okafor/3 min/NG

Political Correspondent

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Lagos Speaker Backs Deputy Governor Hamzat for 2027 Governorship Bid
Credit: UnsplashOriginal source

Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa declared Deputy Governor Olufemi Hamzat the next governor and pledged full APC support for his 2027 bid.

Context

Lagos State’s political scene is shaping up for the 2027 gubernatorial election as the ruling All Progressives Congress seeks a unified candidate. Incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, prompting the party to look for a successor who can maintain continuity. Deputy Governor Hamzat has been touring APC stakeholders to consolidate backing ahead of the primary. Hamzat previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, overseeing road projects and urban renewal programs across the state.

Key Facts

Obasa made his endorsement during Hamzat’s visit to the speaker’s Ikeja residence on Thursday. He said, “Dr Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State,” and praised Hamzat’s loyalty to the party and competence in infrastructure work. Obasa added, “We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election.” He pledged to mobilize legislative resources to ensure Hamzat’s victory. Hamzat thanked Obasa, noting his legislative experience and reiterated that his consultations aim to promote inclusive development, not personal ambition. He emphasized that Lagos is a collective project requiring collaboration across arms of government.

What It Means

Obasa’s backing signals a major APC bloc aligning behind Hamzat, potentially smoothing his path to the party ticket. The speaker’s control of the Lagos House of Assembly could translate into legislative advantages for the campaign, such as swift passage of budgetary measures. Opposition parties will likely scrutinize Hamzat’s record on infrastructure and test whether internal APC unity holds. Voter perception may hinge on how well the ticket presents a continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s policies while offering fresh ideas. The next step is the APC primary, where other aspirants may challenge Hamzat’s claim.

What to watch: whether Hamzat secures the APC nomination and how rival candidates respond in the months ahead.

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