Isokan Yoruba Group Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governor, Demands Indigene Deputy Slot

Isokan Yoruba Group Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governor, Demands Indigene Deputy Slot

A socio-cultural group of Lagos indigenes, Isokan Yoruba Group, has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 governorship race, while insisting that the deputy governorship position must be reserved for a bona fide indigene of the state.

The Isokan Yoruba Group, a prominent socio-political organisation representing Lagos indigenes, has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the deputy governorship slot in the 2027 elections is ceded to an indigene of Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos, the group’s President, Prince Adekunle Adegoroye, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders across the state’s five administrative divisions—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

Adegoroye described Hamzat as a competent and experienced leader with proven loyalty to the APC, noting that he is well-positioned to lead Lagos State.

“As stakeholders and landlords of Lagos State, we have resolved to support the aspiration of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to lead our dear state. We acknowledge his competence, experience, and loyalty to the progressive family,” he said.

The group, however, stressed that its support is contingent on the party’s willingness to ensure political balance by selecting a Lagos indigene as running mate.

“For equity, balance, and political inclusion, the next Deputy Governor of Lagos State must be a bona fide Lagos indigene. This is the irreducible minimum for our vote and total support in 2027,” Adegoroye added.

The statement further underscored the importance of indigenous representation in the state’s top leadership, arguing that such inclusion would strengthen grassroots support and enhance governance.

While acknowledging Lagos as a cosmopolitan state that accommodates all Nigerians, the group maintained that fairness demands that indigenes are adequately represented in key political offices.

It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described as the national leader of the APC and political leader of Lagos State, to ensure that the demand is reflected in the party’s final ticket.

According to the group, adopting an indigene as deputy governor would promote social cohesion, deepen the party’s connection with grassroots communities, and secure massive electoral support for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

The Isokan Yoruba Group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, expressing confidence that the proposed arrangement would consolidate the party’s political dominance in Lagos State.