The governorship aspiration of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has received a major boost following the public endorsement of his candidacy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The development, which has sparked widespread political interest across the state, is being interpreted by analysts as a defining moment in the lead-up to the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Lagos.
For many observers, the endorsement signals continuity within the state’s political architecture and reinforces Hamzat’s growing stature within the ruling party.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed the President’s position in a post shared on his verified social media handle on Wednesday, describing the move as “a bold statement of trust, confidence and assurance” in Hamzat’s capacity to lead Africa’s largest city economy.
“Today, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, officially endorsed my Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as the APC candidate for the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial election,” the governor wrote.
Sanwo-Olu further expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership credentials, noting that the steady growth and development recorded in Lagos would be sustained under his stewardship.
He described the deputy governor as a dependable partner in governance who has played a vital role in the administration’s successes.
“I have no doubt that the vision for a greater Lagos, which we started together, will continue to receive the leadership it deserves. There is still much to be done, but the path ahead for Lagos is clear,” he added.
The President’s endorsement comes on the heels of a series of strategic political alignments in support of Hamzat’s ambition. On Tuesday, the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), publicly adopted his aspiration. This followed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s own declaration of support for his deputy on Monday.
In a further show of backing, Christian leaders across the state also convened at the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa on Tuesday, where they collectively expressed support for Hamzat’s governorship bid, adding a socio-religious dimension to the growing political momentum behind his candidacy.
Dr. Hamzat, widely regarded as a technocrat with deep experience in public service, has played a central role in policy formulation and implementation in Lagos State. His contributions span critical sectors including infrastructure, technology, and governance reforms, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in the current administration.
Political stakeholders believe that the sequence of endorsements and institutional backing, particularly that of President Tinubu, could significantly shape the dynamics of the APC primary. Given Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, the move is also seen as a strategic effort to consolidate party unity and ensure a seamless transition of leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, attention is expected to shift to other aspirants within the party and how the growing wave of endorsements for Hamzat will affect their ambitions. Nonetheless, the President’s backing represents more than routine political support; it stands as a strong vote of confidence in Hamzat’s readiness to lead Lagos into its next phase of growth and development.
