Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat Intensifies Consultations for 2027 Governorship Bid
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has significantly intensified his consultations and engagements as he positions himself for the 2027 governorship ticket. During a recent visit to the Ikorodu Division, Hamzat assured residents of a robust urban renewal drive and renewed efforts to establish state police if he secures his party's nomination and is elected governor.
Commitments to Urban Renewal and State Police
Hamzat emphasized the critical importance of Lagos State, stating unequivocally that if Lagos fails, Nigeria will experience untold difficulties. He reiterated that the state is too vital to fail and outlined his vision for transformative governance. Specifically, he pledged to engage relevant institutions actively to actualize the long-discussed state police framework, aiming to enhance security and public safety across the metropolis.
Additionally, he promised a comprehensive urban renewal initiative focused on revitalizing infrastructure and improving living conditions, particularly in areas like Ikorodu. These commitments were made during his consultative tour, which comes amid lingering uncertainty over consensus arrangements within the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Meetings with Ikorodu Dignitaries
During his visit to Ikorodu, Hamzat met with several prominent figures to garner support and discuss his aspirations. Among those he engaged with were former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, former Commissioner for Agriculture Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, and APC Chairman in Ikorodu Olasunkanmi Tijani.
Ogunleye expressed delight at the deputy governor's visit, noting that while Ikorodu indigenes had earlier expectations that were not fully realized, they remain supportive and optimistic about future developments. Similarly, Olorunfemi Bashorun, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom and a member of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), voiced optimism about Hamzat's potential emergence, whether through endorsement or party primaries.
Further endorsement came from Adesegun Ogunlewe, a former Head of Service in Lagos State, who attested to Hamzat's strong character and proven leadership capacity. Ogunlewe expressed solid support for Hamzat's gubernatorial aspiration and urged him to constitute committees that would lay a solid foundation for a successful administration, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and inclusive governance.
Coalition Calls for Credible Candidates in Kosofe
In a related development, a coalition of civil society organizations has made a passionate appeal to the APC to present a credible and competent candidate for the Kosofe Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. The groups articulated their position during a joint media briefing addressed by Alex Omotehinse, President of the Centre for Human & Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), and Waheed Odunuga of Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG), held in Ketu, Lagos.
The coalition stated that their appeal reflects a considered position grounded in empirical evaluation and guided by principles of justice, transparency, and governance accountability. They emphasized their resolute commitment to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring that leadership outcomes align with the genuine aspirations of the people.
Omotehinse explained that this engagement is part of the coalition's mandate to promote accountability, participatory democracy, and evidence-based civic engagement in the constituency. He described it as a deliberate effort by organized civil society to move beyond mere rhetoric and ensure that leadership choices are anchored on measurable impact and the public good.
The intervention aims to elevate public discourse and ensure that leadership selection is driven by verifiable performance, proven competence, and unwavering commitment to public service. In line with this, the coalition drummed up support for Dele Oshinowo, the past Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2017 to 2025, for the Kosofe Representative seat.
They urged constituents to prioritize competence, integrity, and proven performance in the electoral process, stressing the critical need for informed and active civic participation to foster good governance and democratic integrity.
