2027 : Lagos indigenes forum backs Hamzat, Tinubu’s second-term bid

Lagos State Prominent Indigenes’ Forum on Thursday endorsed the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the second term bid of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 general election.

The forum announced its endorsement at a socio-political summit held in Lagos, on Thursday.

Our correspondent reports the theme of the summit is, “Expectations of Indigenous Lagosians in the Next Political Dispensation, 2027–2031.”

The convener of the summit, Mr Adesunbo Onitiri,said that the event was a strategic platform to unite Lagos indigenes behind Hamzat’s governorship aspiration.

According to him, Hamzat has the capacity to lead the state,hence the decision of the forum to back him as the consensus governorship candidate.

“Dr Hamzat is a man of integrity, honour and proven leadership.

“We believe he possesses the capacity and experience to move Lagos State to greater heights.

“We are confident that Lagosians will not regret electing him as the next governor of the state,” Onitiri said.

He added that indigenous communities from Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Ikeja had resolved to work together in support of the APC and Hamzat’s candidature.

The convener said that the unity demonstrated by the indigenous communities reflected their collective commitment to sustaining peace, continuity and development in Lagos State.

“Lagos State and Nigeria deserve continuity, progress and sustainable development.

“By supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and the emergence of Dr Hamzat as governor, our state and the nation will witness greater transformation and prosperity,” he said.

Onitiri added that the endorsement meant the forum would work assiduously for the victory of the two candidates.

“Our decision is firm and irreversible. We will mobilise massively across the state to ensure victory for APC candidates in the 2027 general election.

“We also urge community leaders, youths, artisans and eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process,” he said.

In his speech, Hamzat thanked the forum for the endorsement, assuring indigenous Lagos residents and all residents that his administration would consolidate the achievements of the current government and deepen good governance across the state.

“I will not disappoint indigenous residents or any resident of the state. My administration will be committed to making Lagos a better place for everyone.

“We will continue to protect lives and property and ensure that anyone seeking to undermine the peace and security of Lagos will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Hamzat also pledged to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage while pursuing policies that would strengthen 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 said.

He appealed to all eligible voters to support his governorship bid and vote for APC candidates during the 2027 general election.

Also speaking, former a deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs Orelope Adefulere, urged indigenous residents to support President Tinubu’s re-election and Hamzat’s governorship ambition.

She said that the indigenous people of Lagos are “Omo Eko” and urged them to remain united in safeguarding the political and development interests of the state.

“Indigenous Lagosians should remain united and support the APC governorship candidate, Dr Hamzat, while also backing President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

“Our unity will guarantee the continued growth and stability of Lagos State,” she said.

Earlier, a former Lagos East Senatorial District lawmaker, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

He said that Hamzat’s competence, experience and track record in public service would make the campaign easier for the party.

“We are one Lagos. We are united in our resolve to ensure the victory of Dr Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State.

“Gov. 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.

He also noted that July 23 marked the posthumous birthday of the late former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

He said that Jakande was one of the state’s greatest leaders.

“Lateef Jakande will always be remembered for his exemplary leadership, visionary policies and enduring infrastructural legacy.

“His contributions to the development of Lagos State remain a reference point for good governance and public service,” he said.