Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, has won the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerging as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections.
Announcing the results of the primary election at the party’s secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja, on Thursday, Jon Temlong, chairman of the APC national governorship primary election committee, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.
He said Hamzat polled 657,917 votes out of 657,974 votes cast, while Lanre Jim-Kamal, his sole challenger, received one vote.
Samuel Ajose, another aspirant, pulled out of the race before the exercise.
“I, Gen. Jon Temlong (rtd), hereby affirm that Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, having satisfied the guidelines set out in the party’s constitution, is returned as the winner of the governorship primary and the APC candidate for the 2027 election, this 21st day of May, 2026,” Temlong said.
Among those present during the declaration were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos; Femi Pedro, ex-governor of the state; and members of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC), including Ganiyu Solomon.
“I want to thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what you have done for this state and the party,” he said.
“With humility, I accept the candidacy of the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.”
‘MY LAGOS DREAM’
NAN reports that Hamzat unveiled a development agenda tagged “My Lagos Dream” in his acceptance speech, noting that his vision is centred on job creation, improved infrastructure, education, healthcare and security for residents of the state.
He said Lagos must sustain its position as Africa’s leading commercial hub through strategic investments and people-focused governance.
According to him, his administration would focus on four key areas if elected governor in 2027.
“First, service delivery: freeing up more money for services and maintaining the biggest infrastructure investment programme in West Africa,” he said.
“Second, job creation: policies to fast-track jobs for our youths and support for entrepreneurs and industrialisation.
“Third, knowledge and skills; and fourth, health and well-being to ensure access to healthcare, water and security.”
Hamzat said governance should directly improve the lives of ordinary people across the state.
“I will work for all Lagosians — the fisherman in Badagry and Epe, the trader in Oyingbo, Mile 12 and Balogun,” he said.
“The hard-working driver, the mechanic, the hawker and young people trying to survive will not be forgotten.
“I will also spare a thought for the businessman who wants his investments to yield high returns in a safe and secure Lagos.”
The APC candidate pledged to continue the developmental policies initiated by President Tinubu and successive APC administrations in Lagos state.
“With your endorsement, I would like to continue the transformative work initiated by our leader and father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Hamzat said his experience in both the private and public sectors had prepared him for the task ahead and highlighted some infrastructure projects executed during his years in government.
He listed the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Lagos blue and red rail lines, Adiyan waterworks and several roads and bridges.
“These are the arteries that pump the lifeblood of our economy. They require meticulous planning and a knowledgeable and experienced leader with a firm hand,” Hamzat said.
He described the 2027 elections as crucial to the future of Lagos and Nigeria, saying, “with your support and the blessing of Almighty God, I know that we can rise to the challenge and keep Lagos working.”
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