Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has officially congratulated Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat following his selection as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
In a press statement released on Thursday, Ambode praised Hamzat as a dedicated party loyalist.
He noted that Hamzat’s emergence was a result of his long-term commitment to the party, stating, “Your adoption as our Party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hardwork and dedication to the party for over two decades.”
He also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership, adding, “I am sure that our State will benefit immensely from your wealth of experience and skills in governance.”
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Beyond the state level, Ambode reaffirmed his total support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
He emphasized that the nation’s future growth is linked to the current presidency, saying, “I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President.”
To ensure victory, Ambode set an ambitious goal to mobilize at least three million votes for Tinubu in Lagos State. He also stressed the importance of a total party victory, stating, “We must return all our Party-nominated Senators and Representatives to the National Assembly.”
Hamzat’s path to the candidacy has been marked by a series of high-profile endorsements. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly named Hamzat as his preferred successor on Monday.
This was followed by a unanimous vote from the 34-member Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which even resolved to purchase Hamzat’s ₦50 million nomination form.
On Wednesday, the GAC formally presented Hamzat to President Tinubu in Abuja, where he received the President’s blessing.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the 59-year-old Deputy Governor acknowledged the weight of the new responsibility but highlighted his readiness through experience.
“Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu, I’ve learned a lot. I know the room. I know where the kitchen is,” Hamzat remarked.
While GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi dismissed objections from other aspirants, he clarified that the party would still follow official guidelines by conducting primaries.
Hamzat, who has been Deputy Governor since 2019, previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure during Ambode’s administration.
