By Peter Omopo
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections following a direct primary held across the state on Thursday.
The exercise, conducted across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, ended with Hamzat defeating his sole challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, in what party officials described as a peaceful and transparent process.
His emergence came after a series of high-level endorsements within the Lagos APC structure, including support from the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), while several aspirants reportedly withdrew in his favour ahead of the primary.
Among those who stepped down were Babajide Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, and Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, also called SMA Gold, both of whom later pledged support for Hamzat’s candidacy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who publicly backed the deputy governor, commended the conduct of the exercise, saying it reflected the will of grassroots party members.
Hamzat, who voted in Epe, described the contest as one centred on ideas and development priorities rather than political rivalry. He said the party had demonstrated unity and discipline throughout the process, adding that the peaceful atmosphere signalled readiness for the general election.
He also expressed appreciation to party members for their turnout and conduct, noting that reports from across the state indicated an orderly exercise. According to him, the outcome reflected growing internal democracy within the APC and reinforced confidence in the party’s structure at ward level.
The Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also praised members for maintaining order during the primary, describing the process as a testament to party unity and discipline.
Chairman of the seven-man governorship primary committee, retired General John Temlong, said the exercise complied fully with APC guidelines and electoral regulations, urging stakeholders to remain peaceful throughout the process.
Announcing results from Ward A4 at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School in Epe, Returning Officer Kayode Eleshin said 2,720 members were registered for the exercise, while 2,432 were accredited. He confirmed that Hamzat secured 2,210 votes against Jim-Kamal.
At the state collation centre in Ikeja, the national primary committee chairman, Gen. John Temlong (rtd), later declared Hamzat winner, announcing that he polled 657,917 votes out of 657,974 cast, while his opponent scored one vote.
Temlong said the exercise was conducted in line with party guidelines and affirmed Hamzat as the APC governorship candidate for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Hamzat, who previously contested the party’s governorship ticket in 2015 before stepping down for Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2018, will now lead the APC into the next electoral cycle in Lagos State.
