Organised labour in Lagos State has publicly endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 governorship election, marking a significant development in the state’s political landscape. The declaration was made during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, with leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) formally backing Hamzat’s ambition. Agnes Funmi Sessi, the state NLC Chairperson, and Abiodun Aladetan, the TUC leader, led the announcement, signaling strong support from labour unions within the state.
This endorsement adds momentum to Hamzat’s growing political momentum as early alignments for the 2027 governorship race continue to take shape. Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), influential figures have already shown support for Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and the state APC leadership under Cornelius Ojelabi have publicly expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership. Additionally, Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has also thrown his weight behind the deputy governor.
The backing from labour unions is not new. During the 2023 governorship election, both the NLC and TUC supported the Sanwo-Olu–Hamzat ticket, which successfully secured a second term. This continuity in support underscores a strategic alignment between the labour movement and the current administration. Other key stakeholders, including the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), have also publicly endorsed Hamzat, further solidifying his position as a leading contender.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has described the endorsement as part of a broader plan to ensure governance continuity and sustained development in Lagos. He emphasized that the transition is being managed with careful consideration for the state’s progress and future. Hamzat, in response to the endorsements, expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing ongoing projects. He pledged to govern with a focus on continuity, inclusiveness, and accountability if given the opportunity.
As the 2027 election draws nearer, Hamzat’s growing coalition of support from political, labour, and civil society groups positions him as a strong candidate. The endorsement by organised labour, in particular, highlights his appeal across key sectors of society. With multiple stakeholders already backing his candidacy, Hamzat’s path to the governorship appears increasingly clear, setting the stage for a competitive but structured political transition in Lagos.
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