James Abiodun Faleke, a prominent member of the House of Representatives and influential APC chieftain representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, has publicly endorsed Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s preferred candidate for governor in the 2027 Lagos State election. In a statement shared on his verified X account on Friday evening, Faleke urged supporters across Ikeja and Lagos State to rally behind the current Deputy Governor, framing the endorsement as a call for continuity and stability ahead of the upcoming APC primaries scheduled for next month.
“Good evening all. As we prepare for Party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos state to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos state from 2027-2035 IJN. Amen!” Faleke wrote. His statement carries significant weight, given his position as a four-term federal lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Finance. Faleke is also seen as a key figure within the Lagos APC structure and a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political network.
The endorsement is particularly notable because of its timing and the influence Faleke wields in the Ikeja axis, a densely populated and economically critical area of Lagos. His support could sway party members and grassroots supporters in a region that plays a decisive role in state elections. Hamzat, an engineer by training, has served as Deputy Governor of Lagos State since 2019, initially under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and continuing into the current administration. At 61, he has been credited with advancing infrastructure, technology, and urban development projects under the state’s THEMES+ agenda.
The 2027 Lagos governorship race is already attracting intense interest within the All Progressives Congress. While the party has declared all positions open and adopted direct primaries as the default method—with consensus allowed where acceptable—several high-profile names are being mentioned as potential contenders. These include former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. However, Hamzat remains a frontrunner due to his incumbency, administrative experience, and perceived loyalty to the established Lagos APC leadership.
Faleke’s endorsement comes just days after broader APC consultations and ahead of what is expected to be a competitive primary season. Despite this, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi has maintained that no candidate has been officially anointed, stressing the party’s commitment to internal democracy. Still, Faleke’s public backing signals strong support for Hamzat and may influence the direction of the primary race. As the party prepares for its internal elections, the endorsement adds momentum to Hamzat’s campaign and underscores the growing momentum behind his bid for the governorship. This development is likely to shape the dynamics of the 2027 race as candidates and supporters position themselves for the upcoming contest.
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