Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has blessed his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 Lagos State election, following a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The development came after a delegation from the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi, presented Hamzat to the President for endorsement. Hamzat, who has served as Deputy Governor since 2019, expressed deep gratitude for the President’s support, describing the GAC members as experienced leaders who have witnessed many political cycles.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Hamzat emphasized that the President’s blessing was a significant endorsement of the GAC’s decision to back his candidacy. He noted that the group’s members are seasoned figures who have seen multiple administrations and major national events, including numerous Eid El Kabir and Christmas celebrations. “They have experience, and therefore I’m really, really excited that they brought me here to meet Mr President, and Mr President has blessed us and blessed the decision of GAC,” Hamzat said.
Hamzat acknowledged the daunting nature of the governorship role, calling it an “audacious” assignment. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to rise to the challenge, citing his years of experience in Lagos State government. He highlighted his tenure as Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his previous role as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. “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,” he stated, using a metaphor to emphasize his familiarity with governance operations.
He further explained that even the most skilled chef cannot cook effectively without knowing the kitchen, underscoring his readiness to lead based on his firsthand experience. The 59-year-old politician has been a key figure in Lagos politics for over a decade, having held critical positions in infrastructure and governance. His endorsement by President Tinubu and the APC’s GAC marks a pivotal moment in the party’s internal preparations for the 2027 elections.
The meeting at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday solidified Hamzat’s position as the consensus candidate for the APC in Lagos, according to reports from Daily Post. This endorsement is expected to strengthen his campaign and unify party stakeholders ahead of the upcoming electoral contest. As Lagos State prepares for its next gubernatorial election, Hamzat’s experience and presidential backing position him as a formidable contender in the race for the state’s top office.
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