First Lady hails Hamzat as Lagos APC consensus candidate

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday praised the political maturity of Lagos State following the formal presentation of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The symbolic handover took place at the First Lady’s residence, led by a delegation from the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), headed by its leader, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi. Hamzat, who serves as the Lagos deputy governor, was endorsed after extensive consultations.

Mrs Tinubu likened the GAC to an electoral college and lauded their seamless selection process. “Politically, Lagos State has always been at the forefront, showcasing leadership to the rest of Nigeria. You have added a first, and it is so peaceful, and I think we are all getting mature politically and have come of age,” she said.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady added a spiritual note: “With all the years of our democracy, we now know that all power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever He pleases.”

Mrs Tinubu also commended the outgoing Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his stewardship, offering prayers for his transition. “You have done your best, and I pray that as you begin to transition, God will keep you and be with you,” she stated.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, present at the event, detailed the consultations leading to Hamzat’s emergence. “Yesterday, 25 GAC members were present at the meeting, and they unanimously agreed and confirmed our willingness to support Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. We have also presented him to Mr President, and he has accepted Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. But as a GAC member yourself, we have come to present him to you, get your motherly blessing and counsel as well,” he explained.

GAC leader Oluyole Olusi invoked Yoruba cultural traditions, emphasising the institutionalised role of women in governance as the reason for seeking the First Lady’s blessings.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and a former Lagos Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, also praised Mrs Tinubu’s national contributions. “You are indeed a strong woman, and we are really proud of you. We pray that what our leader and mentor, Mr President, is doing for this nation will be sustained,” she said before joining in presenting Hamzat to the First Lady.