“Lagos Politics Has Come of Age” — First Lady Backs Hamzat as APC Consensus Candidate
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has endorsed the emergence of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the state’s governorship race.
Hamzat was formally presented to the First Lady by members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by its chairman, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, in what was described as a symbolic but significant political step.
Speaking during the presentation, Tinubu praised the GAC for its decision, likening the council to an electoral college and commending its role in shaping the party’s direction in Lagos.
“Politically, Lagos has always been at the forefront, providing leadership for the rest of Nigeria. What you have done is peaceful and commendable. It shows that our politics has matured and has truly come of age,” she said.
She added that leadership ultimately rests in divine hands, noting that power is given by God to whom He chooses.
The First Lady also lauded the leadership of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commending his stewardship and offering prayers for a smooth transition at the end of his tenure.
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu revealed that Hamzat’s emergence followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including other aspirants who had shown interest in the governorship race.
“Twenty-five GAC members attended the meeting and unanimously agreed to support Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. We have also presented him to Mr President, who has endorsed the decision. We are here to seek your motherly blessing and counsel,” the governor said.
In his remarks, GAC leader, Prince Olusi, emphasized the importance of women in governance within Yoruba tradition, explaining that the visit to the First Lady was rooted in cultural values that recognise women’s roles in leadership and decision-making.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adeyoke Orelope-Adefulire, praised the First Lady for her contributions to national development and her support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She subsequently presented Hamzat to the First Lady as the APC’s consensus candidate, marking a key milestone in the party’s preparations for the Lagos governorship election.
