The umbrella body of Lagos council chairmen, Conference 57, has endorsed Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, for governor ahead of the 2027 election.

The endorsement came on Sunday during a strategic meeting of council chairmen held in Ikeja.

The Conference 57 chairman, Sesan Olowa, made the announcement before party leaders and local government officials.

The Conference 57 comprises chairmen of 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas across Lagos State.

Mr Olowa said the endorsement followed consultations with President Bola Tinubu, GovernorBabajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) leaders.

He stated that the council chairmen were united in supporting Hamzat’s emergence as the preferred governorship candidate.

According to him, Mr Hamzat possesses the experience, loyalty and administrative competence needed to sustain Lagos’ developmental momentum.

“Our appreciation goes to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and GAC leaders for choosing Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat,” Mr Olowa said.

“We are proud of this decision and convinced it will move Lagos closer to its megacity aspirations. We have no doubt about KOH’s capacity because he has served Lagos diligently for many years,” he said.

Mr Olowa said Mr Hamzat contributed significantly to several administrations and remained deeply involved in key policy decisions.

He noted that Hamzat worked closely with former governor, Babatunde Fashola, and other leaders who shaped Lagos.

“He worked with Asiwaju Tinubu, Governor Fashola and Governor Sanwo-Olu in advancing Lagos development.

“At this stage, Lagos needs continuity, experience and tested leadership, not experimentation,” Mr Olowa said.

He added that Mr Hamzat’s emergence would mark a major political milestone in Lagos politics.

“This may be the first time since 1990 a deputy governor becomes governor in Lagos. But the tradition in Lagos has always been excellence, competence and fit-for-purpose leadership,” he said.

Mr Olowa described Mr Hamzat as cerebral, innovative and agile, with extensive knowledge of Lagos governance.

He said the Conference 57 would mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress across all communities.

“We are strong in our resolve and committed to delivering victory for our party. It is easy returning to the people because we have delivered democratic dividends at the grassroots,” he said.

He also praised the security collaboration between state and local government authorities.

“The security architecture of Lagos remains formidable because of strong synergy among stakeholders,” Mr Olowa said.

The Conference 57 spokesman, Olasoju Adebayo, also praised Mr Hamzat’s public service record.

Mr Adebayo described him as an administrator who had grown through different stages of governance.

“Dr Obafemi Hamzat is an astute administrator with wide experience across government institutions.

“When he served as commissioner, he laid foundations for technological and infrastructural advancement,” he said.

Mr Adebayo assured Mr Hamzat of total grassroots support ahead of the election.

 “As grassroots managers, we believe Lagosians trust him and believe in his capacity,” he said.

Responding, Mr Hamzat thanked the council and LCDA chairmen for their confidence in him.

He described them as critical stakeholders in governance because of their closeness to residents.

“I thank all local government and LCDA chairmen for this endorsement. They have assured me of their support for Mr President and APC candidates in 2027,” he said.

Mr Hamzat said the ruling party remained deeply connected to the realities across Lagos communities.

“Our party understands Lagos geography, its challenges and the solutions required,” he said.

He stressed the need for future planning as Lagos continues to witness rapid population growth.

He said, “By 2030, Lagos may reach 30 million people, so we must prepare adequately. We must invest in infrastructure, housing, education and people-centred governance.”

Mr Hamzat said his vision was to build a stronger and sustainable Lagos for future generations.

“We must build a state that our children and grandchildren will be proud to inherit,” he said. 

(NAN)