Ahead of next month’s gubernatorial primary of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a prominent party group, the Justice Forum (JF), has declared its support for the incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The group also directed its members and supporters to vote for Hamzat as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election, positioning him as a potential successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Notable members of the Justice Forum include former governor Babatunde Fashola, ex-deputy governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, and other influential party stakeholders.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance and lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke—also a member of the group—disclosed the Forum’s position ahead of the primary. He said the endorsement was aimed at ensuring Hamzat emerges as the next governor of Lagos State.
Faleke made this known on Friday, less than 24 hours after a delegation from the GAC met with President Bola Tinubu in Ikoyi to deliberate on the party’s likely candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The meeting marked the second within a month between the President—himself a former Lagos governor—and party leaders over the succession plan in the state.
Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi and Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi were among the delegation that met with the President.
In a statement shared on his official social media handle, Faleke urged party faithful to rally behind Hamzat, stating: “As we prepare for party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and across Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035.”
Hamzat is expected to contest the party’s ticket alongside businessman and Badagry indigene, Samuel Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, who has also gained significant grassroots support.
Ajose has secured endorsements from several political, business, and religious groups, with supporters citing his private sector experience and economic insight as key strengths.
The primary election is scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primaries.