Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Kadri Hamzat, has described himself as the best candidate to lead the state, citing his knowledge of Lagos and years of experience in government.
Hamzat made the claim on Sunday during the 70th Harvest Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service of the Cherubim and Seraphim Society, Olorunsogo Parish, Ese-Ofin, Lagos.
The deputy governor said his understanding of Lagos’ history, politics and people gave him an advantage in managing the affairs of the state. He also said his familiarity with issues such as land matters and the people who had previously governed Lagos would help him deal with challenges that could arise in office.
He urged Lagos residents to be careful about politicians who make attractive promises during election campaigns, saying voters should consider the realities and needs of the state before making their choices.
Hamzat said Lagos plays an important role in Nigeria’s economy and should therefore not be placed in the hands of someone without adequate experience in governance. He noted that the state contributes a large share of the country’s economic output and requires experienced leadership.
The APC candidate also pointed to his long record in public service as part of his preparation for the governorship. He recalled that he was working in New York in 2005 when then Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu visited the city and later invited him to return to Nigeria and join his administration.
Hamzat subsequently served as Lagos Commissioner for Science and Technology and later Commissioner for Works before becoming deputy governor. He is seeking to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2027 governorship election. His candidacy has also received backing from the Lagos APC and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
He also called on Nigerians to continue praying for the country, saying citizens should trust that there is a purpose behind their being in Nigeria.
Speaking at the church anniversary, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, expressed happiness at being part of the 70th Harvest celebration. She said she had not visited the church for more than four years before attending the event.
She also commended Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who is from the area, and expressed gratitude for his role in the community.
The Founder of Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev. Esther Ajayi, also called on Nigerians to keep praying for the country’s leaders. She asked God to show mercy to the people and guide them in their affairs.
Ojelabi, who is also a senior apostle of the church, said the anniversary was organised as part of efforts to give back to the community.
He explained that the celebration began with a Night of Praise on Friday and continued with a medical outreach on Saturday. The outreach was organised after the church identified the need to provide healthcare support to residents of the rural community.
According to him, many people participated in the medical programme before the anniversary ended with the grand finale on Sunday.
Ojelabi urged Nigerians to strengthen their relationship with God and maintain their faith. He also called on religious leaders to uphold Christian values in their work, noting that their conduct was being watched by members of the public.
Traditional rulers, APC leaders, Lagos commissioners, local government chairmen and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were among those who attended the anniversary.