Femi Olaniyi, the Lagos State governorship candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has labeled Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as an active component of what he terms the ongoing failures of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state.
Olaniyi made the statement during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday while discussing the 2027 Lagos governorship election and the emergence of Hamzat as the APC’s preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He questioned what Hamzat would change if elected, arguing that his long involvement in the state government meant he was already part of the administration’s record.
“The status quo of Femi Hamzat is the status quo of failure.
“Because the failure we are reckoning with APC now goes with him. He has been part of this failure to date.
“So what is he coming to change now?”
Olaniyi was responding to questions about whether he considered himself more qualified than the other candidates expected to contest the 2027 governorship election, including Hamzat.
He said his assessment was based on what he described as the need for a governor to be able to resolve political and governance challenges.
“Definitely. Because what makes anyone to be qualified to even rule in a single community, not even the state like Lagos, is to maintain the status quo and to make sure that you are able to resolve any issues that emanated from your own political party or the political party you are running under.”
Olaniyi’s comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 governorship contest in Lagos, with Obafemi Hamzat expected to defend the APC’s position after serving as deputy governor under Sanwo-Olu.
What You Should Know
As political preparations for the 2027 Lagos governorship race gather momentum, opposition figures are already challenging the ruling party’s record and leadership continuity. Femi Olaniyi argues that since Deputy Governor Hamzat has been a key player in the current administration, he cannot present himself as a fresh agent of change.
- Positive Impact: Vigorous political debates and early scrutiny of leaders give voters a clearer picture of candidates’ track records ahead of elections.
- Potential Concerns: Heightened political rhetoric may amplify tensions and polarization as various parties vie for public support in Lagos.
