Ahead of next month’s governorship primary of the Lagos chapter of the APC, a key party bloc, the Justice Forum, has thrown its weight behind the state’s Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The group also directed its members and supporters to vote for Hamzat to emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election and potentially succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Notable figures within the Justice Forum include former governor Babatunde Fashola, ex-deputy governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and GAC chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi.
The endorsement was disclosed by Rt Hon James Abiodun Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and a representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency, who said the move is aimed at ensuring Hamzat emerges as Lagos’ next governor.
Faleke’s statement came shortly after a meeting between leaders of the Governance Advisory Council and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ikoyi—marking the second such engagement in one month focused on the party’s 2027 succession plan.
Sources indicated that Olusi and Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi were among key figures at the meeting with the President.
In a message shared on social media, Faleke urged party loyalists across Lagos to support Hamzat’s bid for governor in 2027.
Meanwhile, Hamzat is expected to face competition from Badagry-born entrepreneur Samuel Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, who has garnered support from various political, business, and religious groups.
The APC primary is scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, in line with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which requires parties to submit membership registers at least 21 days before their primaries.
