By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE GOVERNORSHIP primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been won by Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, who emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Jon Temlong, chairman of the APC national governorship primary election committee, announced the result on Thursday at the party secretariat in Ogba, Ikeja, describing the exercise as peaceful and transparent.
Hamzat polled 657,917 votes out of 657,974 votes cast, while his sole challenger, Lanre Jim Kamal, received one vote. Samuel Ajose, another aspirant, withdrew from the race before the exercise.
Jon Temlong said, “I, Gen. Jon Temlong rtd, hereby affirm that Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, having satisfied the guidelines set out in the party’s constitution, is returned as the winner of the governorship primary and the APC candidate for the 2027 election, this 21st day of May, 2026.”
Those present at the declaration included Babajide Sanwo Olu, incumbent governor of Lagos, Femi Pedro, former deputy governor of the state and members of the Governors’ Advisory Council (GAC) including Ganiyu Solomon.
Responding, Hamzat, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, members of the GAC and other party leaders in the state.
He said, “I want to thank Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu for what you have done for this state and the party. With humility, I accept the candidacy of the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.”
Hamzat unveiled a development agenda titled My Lagos Dream, saying it focuses on job creation, infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
He said Lagos must sustain its position as Africa’s leading commercial hub through strategic investments and people focused governance.
He also outlined four focus areas for his proposed administration, including service delivery, job creation, knowledge and skills, and health and well-being.
He said, “First, service delivery: freeing up more money for services and maintaining the biggest infrastructure investment programme in West Africa.
“Second, job creation: policies to fast-track jobs for our youths and support for entrepreneurs and industrialisation. Third, knowledge and skills; and fourth, health and well-being to ensure access to healthcare, water and security.”
Hamzat said governance should directly improve the lives of residents across Lagos. He said, “I will work for all Lagosians, the fisherman in Badagry and Epe, the trader in Oyingbo, Mile 12 and Balogun.
“The hard-working driver, the mechanic, the hawker and young people trying to survive will not be forgotten. I will also spare a thought for the businessman who wants his investments to yield high returns in a safe and secure Lagos.”
He pledged to continue developmental policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu and successive APC administrations in Lagos State. He said, “With your endorsement, I would like to continue the transformative work initiated by our leader and father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Hamzat listed projects including the Bus Rapid Transit system, Lagos Blue and Red Rail lines, Adiyan waterworks, roads and bridges.
He further described the 2027 elections as crucial, saying, “With your support and the blessing of Almighty God, I know that we can rise to the challenge and keep Lagos working.”
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