Sanwo-Olu hails peaceful APC guber primary, backs hamzat for 2027

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (second right); the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (right); the Collation Officer, Hon. Abiodun Mafe (second left) and an INEC Observer, during the APC Lagos Governorship Primary Election at St. Stephen School, Ward E3, Eiyekole, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island East LCDA, on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday described the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state as peaceful, free and fair, commending party members for their orderly conduct during the exercise.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, after the exercise.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, during the APC Lagos Governorship Primary Election at St. Stephen School, Ward E3, Eiyekole, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island East LCDA, on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

Sanwo-Olu, who voted at Ward E3 on Lagos Island, said the direct primary process demonstrated internal democracy within the party and allowed members at the grassroots to freely participate in the emergence of the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The governor, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, arrived at the polling venue at St. Stephens School, Lagos Island, around 11:44 a.m.

Speaking after casting his vote, Sanwo-Olu openly endorsed his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressing confidence that he would emerge as the APC flag bearer and eventually win the 2027 governorship election.

“The exercise has been peaceful, orderly and transparent. Party members have been given the opportunity to participate freely in the process, which reflects the strength of internal democracy within our party,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu also commended APC members for turning out in large numbers to support Hamzat, whom he described as the consensus candidate of the party in Lagos State.

He further praised party officials from Abuja and the APC leadership for ensuring a credible exercise, noting that electoral officials and party representatives were adequately deployed at the venue.

According to him, despite the large turnout of party faithful before noon, the atmosphere remained calm and family-like.

Also speaking, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Alade Folawiyo, described the turnout for the governorship primary as massive.

Folawiyo expressed confidence in Hamzat’s ability to sustain the achievements of the Sanwo-Olu administration if elected governor in 2027.

He said the deputy governor possessed the experience and understanding required to effectively manage Lagos State, adding that continuity in leadership would sustain infrastructural development and security improvements across the state.