Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has been cleared by the All Progressives Congress screening committee to contest the party’s governorship primary ahead of the 2027 Lagos State election.
Hamzat appeared before the APC Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja at the weekend, where his credentials, public service record and professional experience were reviewed. Speaking with journalists after the exercise, he described the process as thorough, transparent and consistent with the party’s internal democratic procedures.
“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag,” Hamzat said. “The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable.”
He said the committee asked questions based on the documents he submitted and sought clarification on his years of service in government. According to him, the exercise was primarily meant to confirm that the information provided by aspirants reflected their actual experience and qualifications.
Hamzat expressed confidence in the APC primary process and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued development of Lagos State. “I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process,” he said. “Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people.”
His screening comes days after reports that the Lagos APC’s Governance Advisory Council, the party’s highest advisory body in the state, adopted him as its consensus governorship aspirant for the 2027 election. President Bola Tinubu was also reported to have endorsed Hamzat after a meeting with members of the council in Abuja.
Hamzat had earlier submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, accompanied by party stakeholders. Reports said several Lagos APC leaders had signed his nomination form ahead of the party’s primary.
The deputy governor said Lagos must continue to serve as a model of innovation, governance and development in Nigeria. He stressed that leadership should remain focused on delivering meaningful impact to residents through infrastructure, public services, economic growth and institutional stability.
Hamzat’s clearance moves him a step closer to formally seeking the APC ticket. The eventual nominee will contest the 2027 governorship election to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is completing his second term in office.
