It was a carnival-like atmosphere in Epe, Lagos State, as a prominent member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Alhaji Séríkí Baamu, and prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hosted the Lagos State Deputy Governor and gubernatorial aspirant, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to a rousing reception marked by music, drama, and a large turnout of party faithful.
Supporters trooped out in their numbers, chanting songs and displaying coordinated performances in a show of solidarity for Hamzat, widely seen as the anointed candidate of APC as we prepare for the 2027 General Election.
The reception held at the residence of Alhaji Baamu in Epe, was followed by a high-level parley involving members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other prominent APC leaders, where discussions centred on Hamzat’s political aspiration and the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections, particularly in Lagos State.
Speaking at the meeting, GAC member Alhaji Baamu commended the leadership for providing direction to party members. He assured that the Epe Division would deliver a significant number of votes to secure victory for Dr. Kadri Hamzat and APC.
“With the directive, efforts will be intensified to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, President Tinubu, and other party candidates,” Baamu said. “Now that we have clear direction, I appeal to everyone here to genuinely support Hamzat. We need both political and personal commitment from all of us.”
He further urged party members to avoid greed and distractions, stressing that only genuine commitment to the party’s success would guarantee victory.
In his remarks, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, expressed appreciation to the GAC members and party leaders for the warm reception and support. “I am happy to be here, and I appreciate you for organising this reception. I also thank the large number of people who came out this morning,” he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Hamzat noted that the political process had already begun but warned against opposition tactics.
“The process has started, and I am sure we shall win the presidential and other elections come 2027” To achieve that, we must engage widely, meet with all the relevant stakeholders and galvanise support for all our candidates,” he said.
He added that the party must mobilise across all levels to avoid a repeat of past electoral setbacks.
“We must galvanise support and prevent a recurrence of what happened in the last presidential election. We must win Lagos,” he stressed.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos, Hamzat said the state remains critical not only to Nigeria but to the African continent. “Some cities in developed countries have failed, but we must not allow that to happen in Lagos. Lagos is too vital to the survival of Nigeria—it is the second-largest most economy vibrant city in Africa. We must continue to improve and strengthen it,” he added.
Also speaking, APC chieftain, Bode Oyedele, described the reception as massive, noting the impressive turnout of supporters. He disclosed that following the consultation tour, party members in the division were moving towards a collective endorsement of Hamzat.
“After this visitation, party members will collectively agree and endorse him, and we will return here again,” Oyedele said. “After the endorsement, we will show our appreciation by ensuring that Epe division delivers the highest number of votes.”
Former Lagos West Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, also threw his weight behind Hamzat, citing remarks by Fashola which described the deputy governor as “the best man for the job.”
Quoting Fashola, Obanikoro said, “Hamzat is the most capable and surest horse for the race.” He further described Hamzat as “an anointed man,” adding that his emergence had long been destined.
“If you look at his history, you will see that he has been anointed for a long time. And this is the moment, Epe division will witness it and Lagos State will also witness it,” Obanikoro said.
He assured that leaders across the state would unite in support of Hamzat. “In terms of preparedness, there is no one more ready for the office of governor at this time than him. His track record, academic brilliance, and deep native intelligence make him fit for the job,” he added.
In a symbolic gesture, Obanikoro formally presented Hamzat to the gathering as the anointed candidate of the party in the 2027 governorship race.
Other dignitaries at the event included: RT. Hon Sabitu Ikuforiji, Hon Wale Raji, Hon Abiodun Tobun, Hon. Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Hon. Ismail Monsuru Akinloye and Hon. Wale Akogun Anomo.
Others were: Hon Agbaje, Hon Soliu Razak among several others.
On his entourage were the husband of the Ogun State Deputy Governor and party chieftain at Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Alh Bode Oyedele; immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Ajala; the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Engr Adekunle Olayinka; his counterpart on Religious Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullah.
Also at the meeting was the Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr Akeem Shittu.
