2027: Ambode applauds Hamzat’s emergence as APC consensus candidate, backs Tinubu’s re-election
Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has congratulated Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
He also restated his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Ambode spoke in a press release on Thursday. He described Hamzat as a true party man committed to the ideals of unity and progress.
“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the Party hierarchy and all members of the Party have demonstrated you are a true Party man committed to the Party’s ideals and values of Unity and Progress.
“Your adoption as our Party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hardwork and dedication to the party for over two decades.
“I am sure that our State will benefit immensely from your wealth of experience and skills in governance,” he said.
Ambode also said the prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria depended on the continued governance of the President.
He pledged to mobilise votes for the APC at both state and federal levels.
“I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President.
“I am confident that Mr. President’s vision and aspirations for our nation will yield bountiful returns and put us on the path of growth and prosperity,” he said.
He set a target of three million votes for Tinubu in Lagos.
He added that all APC-nominated senators and House of Representatives members must be returned.
“As Lagos APC, our mission should be to deliver at least 3 million votes for Mr. President and support other States in Southwest to deliver great results.
“We must return all our Party-nominated Senators and Representatives to the National Assembly,” Ambode said.
Hamzat’s emergence followed a wave of endorsements within days. Sanwo-Olu publicly backed him as his preferred successor on Monday.
“The Governance Advisory Council, the highest advisory body of the Lagos APC, then unanimously adopted him at a meeting on Tuesday at Lagos House, Marina.
The 34-member GAC, led by its chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, also resolved to purchase Hamzat’s N50 million governorship nomination form.
On Wednesday, a GAC delegation presented Hamzat to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The President was said to have blessed the council’s decision.
Speaking to journalists after the villa meeting, Hamzat, 59, said he was confident despite acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead.
“Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. 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 said.
Olusi said the council’s decision reflected collective agreement among members.
He dismissed objections raised by other aspirants but clarified that the party would still conduct primaries in line with APC guidelines.
Hamzat has served as deputy governor since 2019. He previously held the office of Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Ambode.
