The umbrella body of council chairmen in Lagos State, Conference 57, has thrown its weight behind Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced during a strategic meeting held by the group in Ikeja on Sunday.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chairman of Conference 57, Sesan Olowa, said the decision followed wide consultations with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and leaders of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Conference 57 consists of chairmen from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.
Olowa said the council chairmen unanimously agreed to support Hamzat because of his experience, loyalty, and long-standing contribution to the growth of Lagos State.
According to him, Hamzat has consistently demonstrated competence in governance and possesses the leadership qualities needed to sustain the developmental strides recorded in the state.
He praised the deputy governor for working closely with past and present administrations, including those led by Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Olowa said Lagos requires continuity and tested leadership rather than political experimentation.
He noted that Hamzat’s emergence could mark a historic moment in Lagos politics, as it may be the first time since 1990 that a deputy governor would become governor in the state.
Describing Hamzat as intelligent, innovative, and deeply experienced in governance, Olowa assured that Conference 57 would mobilise grassroots support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also commended the collaboration between local governments and the state government in maintaining security across Lagos.
The spokesperson for Conference 57, Olasoju Adebayo, also hailed Hamzat’s record in public service, describing him as a seasoned administrator with vast experience in government.
Adebayo recalled Hamzat’s contributions as commissioner, particularly in advancing technology and infrastructure development in Lagos State.
He assured the deputy governor of strong support from grassroots political structures across the state.
Responding to the endorsement, Hamzat thanked the council chairmen for their confidence in him and described local government officials as key partners in governance because of their closeness to the people.
He said the APC remained connected to the realities and challenges facing residents across Lagos communities.
Hamzat stressed the importance of long-term planning as Lagos continues to experience rapid population growth.
According to him, the state’s population could rise to 30 million by 2030, making investment in infrastructure, housing, education, and people-focused governance more important.
He added that his vision is to build a sustainable Lagos that future generations would be proud to inherit.
