Akinwunmi Ambode targets 3 million votes for President Tinubu in Lagos while backing Obafemi Hamzat’s consensus ticket

Former Governor Ambode endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos and pledges to mobilize 3 million votes for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 11:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Unified Front for the 2027 Lagos Governorship

A significant shift in the Lagos political landscape occurred on April 30 as former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode formally congratulated Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on his adoption as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate. In a public statement, Ambode characterized Hamzat’s emergence as a reward for his "loyalty, consistency, and sustained commitment" to the party over several decades. This endorsement is viewed as a vital step in strengthening internal cohesion within the Lagos APC, effectively bridging previous factional divides ahead of the next election cycle.

Governance Experience and Strategic Consultations

Ambode noted that Hamzat’s selection followed a series of deliberate consultations with key stakeholders, which he believes reflects a mature approach to party administration. By backing the Deputy Governor, Ambode highlighted Hamzat’s deep experience in public administration and governance, suggesting that his leadership will be essential for advancing the collective interests of the state. This move signals a consolidated effort by the party's elite to ensure a stable transition and maintain the APC’s long-standing dominance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Ambitious Presidential Mobilization Targets

Beyond the state-level race, Ambode utilized the announcement to reaffirm his "unshakeable commitment" to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explicitly linked the prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria to the continuation of Tinubu’s administration. To support this vision, Ambode set a formidable electoral benchmark, calling on party members to deliver at least three million votes for the President in Lagos State alone. This ambitious target serves as a directive to party foot soldiers to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts immediately.