Lagos Politics Matured as First Lady Backs Hamzat

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared that Lagos politics has “come of age” after leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state presented Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

Hamzat was formally introduced to the First Lady by a delegation of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by its leader, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, during a symbolic presentation in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu praised the peaceful manner in which the process was conducted, describing it as a sign of growing political maturity in the state.

“Politically, Lagos State has always been at the forefront, showcasing leadership to the rest of Nigeria,” she said.

“You have added a first and it is so peaceful. I think we are all getting matured politically and have come of age.”

She added that political power ultimately belongs to God and is given to whom He pleases, urging leaders and aspirants to remain humble in service.

The First Lady also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his stewardship, saying he had done his best in office and praying for a successful transition after his tenure.

“You have done your best and I pray that as you begin to transition, God will keep you and be with you,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu told the gathering that Hamzat had engaged in wide consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and individuals who had shown interest in the governorship race.

According to him, 25 members of the GAC attended a meeting where they unanimously endorsed Hamzat as their preferred candidate.

“Yesterday, 25 GAC members were present at the meeting and they unanimously agreed and confirmed our willingness to support Kadri Obafemi Hamzat,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“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.”

GAC leader Prince Olusi said the delegation’s visit to the First Lady was rooted in Yoruba tradition, where women play important roles in governance and decision-making.

He said it was necessary to seek her blessing and counsel before the party moves further in the process.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and former Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, praised the First Lady’s contributions to national development and support for President Bola Tinubu.

She described Senator Tinubu as a strong woman whose programmes and interventions had positively impacted many Nigerians.

Orelope-Adefulire then formally presented Hamzat to the First Lady as the APC consensus candidate for the Lagos governorship seat.

The endorsement is expected to further shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos, where the ruling APC remains dominant.