KWARA NORTH THANK-YOU-VISIT…
L-R: Emir of Okuta, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Idris Abubakar; Emir of Kaiama, HRH, Alhaji Mu'azu Shehu; Etsu Patigi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Umar Bologi II; Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Emir of Lafiagi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu; and the Emir of Shonga, His Royal Highness Dr. Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, during a 'thank you' visit to Governor AbdulRazaq on the emergence of a Kwara Northerner, Salihu Yakubu Danladi as APC governorship candidate in Ilorin, Kwara State…yesterday
Sunday, May 24, 2026 Vol 31. No 11368
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Tinubu: APC Members’ Support for Me, A Challenge to Do More for Nigeria To receive certificate of return, flag as ruling party’s 2027 presidential candidate today See story on page 5
Appreciation
I
t is with a heart filled with profound gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept my choice as the governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 6, 2027 gubernatorial election in Lagos State.
First and foremost, I give glory and honor to Almighty Allah, the owner of heaven and earth whose grace, mercy and guidance have brought us to this remarkable moment. Without His divine favour, this great day would not have come. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our father, mentor and pathfinder, the national leader of our great party, APC, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his firm belief in my candidacy, as well as my capability and capacity. I extend the same gratitude to the mother of the nation, our dearest First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, for her motherly support and prayers. To my principal, friend, and brother, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his lovely wife, Dr. Ibijoke Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, I say thank you so much. I am grateful also to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Right Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, all our former governors, deputy governors, members of Conference 57, the chairman of our great party in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and his team, members of the state Executive Council and all leaders of our party in all the 376 wards for their unflinching support. My special gratitude goes to members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest political decision-making and advisory body of the Lagos APC under the leadership of our revered father, Prince Tajudeen Olusi. I thank you all for your overwhelming endorsement of my candidacy, guidance, and commitment. I acknowledge all members of our formidable party from Lagos State at the National Assembly (NASS), whose sacrifices and steadfast commitment have continued to sustain the progressive ideals upon which our party is built. To every aspirant who dropped his/her ambition to support my candidacy for the sake of party supremacy and unity, I commend your spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to democracy. The primary election was not a contest among bitter rivals, but a demonstration of the strength, vibrancy, and democratic spirit of our party. I extend a hand of fellowship to all because the task ahead requires unity, collaboration, and collective action. I sincerely thank all community leaders, youth groups,
women’s associations, professional bodies, market leaders, traditional institutions, religious organisations, political stakeholders, the media, and well-wishers who have stood firmly with us in our collective vision for a ‘Greater Lagos’. Your belief in our mission to build a more inclusive, innovative, secure, and prosperous state remains deeply appreciated. I also extend my appreciation to my family, especially my darling wife, Oluremi, and our children, the entire Hamzat family, friends, associates, campaign team members, volunteers, and supporters across the state, whose sacrifices, prayers, and tireless efforts made this feat possible. Your loyalty and commitment will never be forgotten. The task before us is clear. Of every 10 Black people in the world, six are believed to be Nigerians, with over 200 million people. Our dear state is the tiniest in the Federation, occupying some 3,577 sq. km. (25% of which is water), yet it is home to no fewer than 25m people, which is more than the population of 32 African countries combined, and growing 10 times faster than New York and Los Angeles. We are aware that the popular thinking is that should Nigeria make it, the Black man will occupy a pride of place in the world and earn his due respect. Therefore, Lagos will continue to lead the charge. So, I have no illusion that we have our job cut out for us. The good news is: WE ARE READY! As we move forward, I call on all members of APC to remain united, focused, and committed to victory. The road ahead may still present challenges, but with unity, determination, and shared responsibility, I am confident that together we will build a Lagos that future generations will be proud to inherit. I accept this nomination with utmost humility and a solemn promise to serve diligently, transparently, and selflessly. I pledge to remain accessible to the people and committed to the ideals of justice, fairness, accountability, and development. God bless the All Progressives Congress (APC) God bless Lagos State God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Deputy Governor and APC Candidate May 22, 2026