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I’ll serve Lagosians with integrity - Hamzat; no consensus candidate yet — Jandor

From Vanguard · (5m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat pledged to serve with integrity if elected governor in 2027.
  • Governor Sanwo-Olu and party leaders endorsed Hamzat as the consensus candidate.
  • Speaker Mudashiru Obasa is reportedly shifting his political focus from a governorship bid to a House of Representatives seat.

In the unfolding political landscape of Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has publicly committed to serving the populace with unwavering integrity, focus, and a clear sense of purpose should he be elected governor in the 2027 elections. This declaration follows a significant endorsement from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other key party leaders, positioning Hamzat as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming gubernatorial race. His promise resonates with the aspirations of Lagosians for principled leadership and continuity of progress.

The political maneuvering also involves Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa. While initially harboring governorship ambitions, sources indicate Obasa is now set to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. This shift appears to be influenced by internal party considerations and consultations, particularly after President Bola Tinubu, in conjunction with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), settled on Deputy Governor Hamzat as the preferred choice for the governorship. Obasa's pivot demonstrates a strategic adaptation to the party's direction, aiming to maintain a significant role within the political structure.

Further complicating the senatorial race, Obasa's reported interest in the Lagos West Senatorial District, where incumbent Senator and former Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, serves, has met resistance. Party stakeholders and the national leadership are advocating for Adebule's retention, citing her unique position as the only female Senator from the South-West geopolitical zone and the importance of gender representation. President Tinubu has reportedly advised Obasa to pursue the Agege Federal Constituency seat instead, signaling a clear preference for maintaining the current senatorial representation. From our perspective, these developments highlight the intricate internal dynamics and strategic calculations within the APC as it prepares for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the party's focus on consensus-building and representation.

I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose.

— Obafemi HamzatDeputy Governor of Lagos State, commenting after receiving endorsements for the 2027 governorship election.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.