Hamzat wins Lagos APC Governorship Primary, unveils vision

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State after polling an overwhelming 657,000 votes in the party’s primary election.

Lanre Jim-Kamal, the other contestant who refused to step down from the race polled one vote.

Hamzat’s victory cements his position as the ruling party’s standard bearer ahead of the 2027 governorship election, succeeding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after years of serving at the centre of Lagos’ political and administrative structure.

In his acceptance speech titled “My Lagos Dream,” Hamzat described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to sustain the developmental trajectory established by President Bola Tinubu and successive APC administrations in the state.

The APC candidate said his ambition was driven by years of experience in governance and a desire to deepen the progress Lagos had recorded over the last 27 years under progressive leadership.

“With your endorsement, I would like to continue the transformative work initiated by our leader and father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and sustained by Governors Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Hamzat declared.

The former Commissioner for Science and Technology and ex-Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure highlighted his extensive background in both the private and public sectors, noting that he had worked with global firms including Citibank, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Oando Plc before joining government service.

Hamzat, who was born in Mushin, said his administration would focus on inclusive governance and policies targeted at improving the welfare of ordinary Lagosians across different social classes and communities.

“I will work for all Lagosians – the fisherman in Badagry and Epe, the trader in Oyingbo and Mile 12, the youths in Yaba tech hubs, the hardworking driver, the mechanic, and every struggling young person trying to survive,” he said.

The APC governorship candidate also promised to prioritise infrastructure expansion, job creation, skills development and improved healthcare delivery if elected governor in 2027.

According to him, his administration would maintain Lagos’ aggressive infrastructure investment drive, particularly in rail transportation, roads and water transport systems aimed at reducing congestion and boosting economic productivity.

He added that his government would pursue policies designed to accelerate youth employment and strengthen entrepreneurship while equipping Lagosians with globally competitive skills.

Hamzat also pointed to several landmark projects executed during his years in government, including the Lagos Blue Line Rail, Red Line Rail, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the Adiyan Water Works project.

Describing Lagos as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of Black people, he said the state must continue to pursue an egalitarian society driven by innovation, opportunity and inclusive growth.

The deputy governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and APC members across the 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs for supporting his candidacy.

Hamzat assured party faithful that their confidence in him would not be misplaced.

“Together, we will continue to build a Lagos that works for all,” he said.