The Lagos State Prominent Indigenes’ Forum has endorsed the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election while throwing its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The endorsement was announced on Thursday at a socio-political summit in Lagos themed, “Expectations of Indigenous Lagosians in the Next Political Dispensation, 2027–2031.”
Convener of the summit, Mr Adesunbo Onitiri, described the gathering as a strategic platform to rally indigenous Lagosians behind Hamzat’s governorship aspiration, saying the deputy governor possesses the competence, integrity and experience to lead the state.
According to him, Hamzat’s track record in public service makes him the most suitable candidate to sustain Lagos’ development.
“Dr Hamzat is a man of integrity, honour and proven leadership. We believe he has the capacity and experience to move Lagos State to greater heights. We are confident Lagosians will not regret electing him as the next governor,” Onitiri said.
He disclosed that indigenous communities from Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Ikeja had resolved to work together in support of the All Progressives Congress and Hamzat’s candidacy.
Onitiri said the alliance among the various indigenous communities reflected their commitment to preserving peace, continuity and development in Lagos.
He also declared the forum’s support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that continuity in leadership would further accelerate development across the state and the country.
“Lagos State and Nigeria deserve continuity, progress and sustainable development. By supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and Dr Hamzat’s emergence as governor, our state and nation will witness greater transformation and prosperity,” he said.
The forum vowed to mobilise support across Lagos to ensure the victory of both Tinubu and Hamzat in the 2027 general election.
“Our decision is firm and irreversible. We will mobilise massively across the state to ensure victory for APC candidates in the 2027 elections,” Onitiri said, urging community leaders, youths, artisans and other eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process.
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Responding to the endorsement, Hamzat thanked the forum for its confidence, assuring both indigenous Lagosians and other residents that he would build on the achievements of the current administration.
“I will not disappoint indigenous residents or any resident of the state. My administration will remain committed to making Lagos a better place for everyone,” he said.
The deputy governor pledged to strengthen security, protect lives and property, preserve the state’s cultural heritage and pursue policies that would drive economic growth, infrastructure development and social inclusion.
“Lagos remains the leading state in Nigeria because we continue to set the pace in governance and development. I will never take the support and confidence of Lagosians for granted, and I remain committed to serving them with diligence and accountability,” he added.
He appealed to eligible voters to support his governorship ambition and vote for APC candidates during the 2027 polls.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Orelope Adefulere, also urged indigenous Lagosians, popularly known as Omo Eko, to remain united and support both Tinubu’s re-election and Hamzat’s governorship bid.
She said unity among indigenous residents would guarantee the continued growth and stability of Lagos State.
Also speaking, former senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa, called on APC members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.
According to him, Hamzat’s competence, experience and record in public service would make the party’s campaign easier.
“We are one Lagos. We are united in our resolve to ensure the victory of Dr Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has laid a solid foundation, and Hamzat has the capacity to consolidate on those achievements for the benefit of all residents,” Ashafa said.
Ashafa also noted that July 23 marked the posthumous birthday of former Lagos governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing him as one of the state’s greatest leaders whose legacy of visionary leadership and infrastructural development remains a benchmark for good governance.
