By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has thrown his weight behind the emergence of Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as a testament to loyalty, dedication, and party unity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Ambode congratulated Hamzat, whom he referred to as a “brother and friend,” noting that his emergence followed extensive consultations across the party’s hierarchy and grassroots.
“I join my fellow members of the APC to congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of our great party,” Ambode said.
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He commended Hamzat’s longstanding commitment to the APC, stressing that his adoption reflects years of steadfast loyalty and service.
“Your deliberate and purposeful consultations with the party hierarchy and members have demonstrated that you are a true party man committed to the ideals and values of unity and progress,” he added. “Your adoption as our party’s consensus candidate is a reflection of your loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the party for over two decades.”
Ambode expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to lead Lagos, citing his experience in governance and technocratic background.
“I am sure that our state will benefit immensely from your wealth of experience and skills in governance,” he said.
Beyond the state politics, the former governor reaffirmed his strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to work towards his re-election in the 2027 general elections.
“I restate my unshakeable commitment to support the re-election of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ambode declared. “I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President.”
He expressed optimism that Tinubu’s leadership would continue to steer the country towards economic growth and stability.
“I am confident that Mr. President’s vision and aspirations for our nation will yield bountiful returns and put us on the path of growth and prosperity,” he added.
Ambode also called on members of the Lagos APC to unite and mobilise for decisive victories at both state and federal levels, setting an ambitious electoral target.
“As Lagos APC, our mission should be to deliver at least three million votes for Mr. President and support other states in the Southwest to achieve great results,” he said. “We must also ensure the return of all our party-nominated senators and representatives to the National Assembly.”
Political observers say Ambode’s endorsement is significant, given his influence within Lagos politics and the evolving dynamics within the APC ahead of the next election cycle. Hamzat’s emergence as a consensus candidate is widely seen as part of broader efforts by party leaders to maintain cohesion and avoid divisive primaries in the state.
The Merit Newspaper reports that with the early alignments already taking shape, the Lagos political landscape appears to be gradually tilting towards a unified front within the APC, as party heavyweights close ranks in preparation for what is expected to be a highly strategic electoral contest.
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Ambode concluded his message on a hopeful note, expressing faith in the future of both Lagos State and Nigeria.
“By the grace of Almighty God, the best days of Lagos and Nigeria are still ahead of us.”
