Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to promote inclusive governance and strengthen engagement with grassroots communities if elected governor.
Hamzat gave the assurance during an interactive meeting with about 700 Baales and chiefs from communities across the old Ikeja Division of Lagos State.
The meeting provided an opportunity for traditional rulers and community leaders to present their concerns, expectations and development priorities to the APC candidate ahead of the formal unveiling of his manifesto and commencement of the 2027 governorship campaign.
Hamzat, who was accompanied by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and other party leaders, arrived at the gathering at about 1:40 p.m.
The traditional leaders represented communities across Somolu, Bariga, Oworonshoki, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja, Ojodu, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, Mushin, Opebi, Agege, Onigbongbo, Alimosho, Odi-Olowo, Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye and other parts of Lagos.
The meeting opened with prayers led by representatives of the three major religious traditions recognised in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Lagos APC Chairman, Ojelabi, urged party members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and work collectively towards the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
He emphasised the importance of canvassers in expanding political participation and communicating the party’s programmes to residents.
Ojelabi also highlighted the benefits Lagos State had reportedly received under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing figures indicating that the state received N237 billion from the Federal Government’s reported N600 billion cash transfer programme.
During the interactive session, the traditional rulers raised several issues, including workers’ welfare, community development, political appointments and support for traditional institutions.
The first speaker, Adekola Okikiola, appealed for an increase in workers’ salaries to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges. He also expressed the traditional leaders’ willingness to support the APC in the forthcoming elections.
A representative from Ifako-Ijaiye assured Hamzat that concerns relating to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the area had been addressed.
Similarly, the Baale of Ojodu and Ikeja Division Coordinator, Tajudeen Fakoyode, expressed confidence in the traditional leaders’ readiness to participate in the electoral process.
Fakoyode encouraged Baales and chiefs to display their PVCs as evidence of their preparedness for the elections. He also appealed for a campaign bus to facilitate political mobilisation across their respective communities.
Another speaker, Bode Fatoye, commended the outgoing administration but urged Hamzat to prioritise Lagos indigenes in political appointments.
He further called for improved welfare packages for traditional institutions and the construction of palaces for Obas across the state.
The woman leader at the gathering also commended Hamzat and urged party members to remain committed to their responsibilities, assuring the traditional leaders that their concerns would receive attention.
She reinforced her message with the slogan, “E lo fi okan bale.”
Responding to the submissions, Hamzat thanked the traditional rulers and community representatives for their contributions, describing their engagement as important to understanding the needs of communities across Lagos.
He particularly acknowledged the woman leader, describing her as an astute politician who understood the realities of contemporary politics.
The APC candidate said her slogan reflected the spirit of his message, reiterating his commitment to sustaining peace and unity across the state.
Hamzat identified security as a major priority, noting that Lagos, given its cosmopolitan nature, required sustained efforts to protect lives and property.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen the state’s economic prosperity, arguing that Lagos had sufficient resources and opportunities to promote shared prosperity if properly harnessed and managed.
On social cohesion, Hamzat recalled an incident which he said had the potential to create divisions with consequences for future generations.
He urged residents to reject divisive tendencies and work towards building a united society where the benefits of economic growth could be enjoyed by everyone.
The deputy governor also stressed the importance of preserving Yoruba language, culture and traditions, describing the language as a significant cultural heritage with influence beyond Nigeria.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Lagos’ cultural heritage and strengthening the role of traditional institutions in governance.
Earlier, Adebayo Kehinde of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had tendered an unreserved apology on Hamzat’s behalf over his delayed arrival at the meeting.
The Director-General of the campaign, Musiliu Obanikoro, delivered the vote of thanks, urging party members and traditional leaders across the Ikeja Federation to remain committed to the party’s activities.
He assured the gathering that the issues and requests raised during the engagement would receive the attention of the party.
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