Group Backs Hamzat-Gbeleyi Ticket Ahead of 2027 Lagos Governorship Race
A political pressure group, Allied Forces for Lagos Growth (AFFLAG), has endorsed the reported move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pair former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Ayo Gbeleyi, with the party’s consensus governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
The group described the proposed Hamzat-Gbeleyi ticket as a combination of competence, financial expertise, and administrative experience capable of driving Lagos into a new phase of economic growth and infrastructure development.
In a statement released on Monday, AFFLAG said Gbeleyi’s background in finance, housing policy, public sector reforms, and investment management positions him as a strong asset to the Lagos political landscape.
According to the group, Gbeleyi demonstrated strong fiscal leadership during his time as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, where he managed the state’s budgetary framework and revenue structure, helping to strengthen Lagos’ financial credibility.
The group also highlighted his previous role as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, where he was involved in policies aimed at improving access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
AFFLAG further noted that Gbeleyi’s current position as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises has exposed him to major economic reforms, privatisation programmes, and engagements with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.
Describing Hamzat as an experienced administrator with a solid background in engineering and public governance, the group said his track record as Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reflects strong leadership in infrastructure and urban development.
It added that combining Hamzat’s administrative experience with Gbeleyi’s financial and economic expertise would create a balanced leadership structure capable of attracting investments and improving governance in Lagos.
The group stressed that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, requires leadership with both technical and financial capacity to manage its growing economy and expanding population.
AFFLAG also pointed out that Gbeleyi is an indigene of Oshodi-Isolo in Lagos West Senatorial District, noting that his inclusion on the ticket would further strengthen political inclusion and recognition for the district.
The group urged Lagos residents and APC supporters to back the proposed ticket, describing it as a step toward building a stronger and economically driven Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.
