The governorship ambition of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has gained fresh momentum following endorsements from key stakeholders, including labour unions and influential figures within the ruling party, ahead of the 2027 election.
Support for Hamzat was publicly reinforced during the 2026 World Labour Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, where leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) expressed confidence in his leadership capacity and pledged their backing.
Speaking at the event, NLC Lagos Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, described Hamzat as “loyal, competent, tested and trusted,” adding that his emergence would sustain the developmental strides recorded under the current administration led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Hamzat, who represented the governor at the event, acknowledged the support and assured Lagosians of his commitment to continuity and improved governance. He emphasised his experience in office, noting that his tenure as deputy governor has equipped him with deep knowledge of the state’s administrative structure.
The deputy governor’s candidacy has also received backing from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and other party stakeholders, including former aspirant Olajide Adediran, who stepped down to support him.
Further strengthening his position, Hamzat was cleared by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja, confirming his eligibility to participate in the party’s forthcoming primary election.
While his candidacy gains traction, internal party deliberations continue over the choice of a running mate. The initial selection of Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin reportedly faced resistance from stakeholders in Badagry, prompting the party to reconsider its options.
Meanwhile, tensions are also emerging within party ranks at the constituency level, with a group in Oshodi-Isolo raising concerns over alleged moves by Rauf Aregbesola to influence candidate selection for the House of Representatives seat.
As political alignments intensify ahead of the primaries, Hamzat’s growing support base signals a potentially strong showing in the race, even as internal negotiations within the party continue to shape the final structure of his campaign.