The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared an ambitious target of almost three million votes for President Bola Tinubu and its 2027 governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. The party has vowed to prevent a repeat of its defeat in the state during the 2023 presidential election.
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who serves as the Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, announced this strategic objective on Sunday during a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos. He also outlined plans for the forthcoming unveiling of Dr. Hamzat's governorship manifesto, a key event leading up to the 2027 election.
Lessons Learned from the 2023 Presidential Election
According to Obanikoro, the APC gained invaluable insights from the 2023 presidential election, particularly when the Labour Party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, secured a victory over Tinubu in Lagos. Obi garnered 582,454 votes, surpassing the APC candidate's 572,606 votes.
Describing this outcome as a crucial "wake-up call," the former Minister affirmed that the APC has since implemented measures to bolster its membership base and enhance its mobilisation capabilities in preparation for the next general election.
"That time (2023), I want to tell you, was a wake-up call for us, and we have woken up," Obanikoro stated. "You know what it means to wake up a hungry tiger? It’s bad news. That’s exactly what the opposition has done. They have woken up a hungry tiger, and it is going to roar."
Obanikoro further revealed that the APC has enrolled approximately one million new members in Lagos. The party anticipates a substantial turnout from this expanded membership to achieve its electoral goals. "For the first time in the history of our party, we registered about one million. Already, we have provided a solution by beefing up our membership," he noted.
Explaining the methodology behind the projected vote count, Obanikoro elaborated: "So, in a worst-case scenario, let’s say 70 or 80 per cent of our members come out, which they will do. That is already 800,000 votes. Let’s assume they will bring a minimum of one voter. That is 1.6 million votes. No matter how much some of these opposition members hate us, there are APC lovers in this state of ours who, come rain or shine, will come out and vote for us. Modestly, we are looking at almost three million votes."
He assured that the campaign council would intensify its grassroots mobilisation efforts across all parts of the state to achieve this ambitious target. "We will go throughout the length and breadth of Lagos State, all the nooks and crannies of Lagos. We will go there and canvass for votes," he affirmed, confidently adding, "We are going to win and record an unprecedented number of votes for both Asiwaju and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat."
Unveiling of Hamzat’s Governorship Manifesto
The campaign council also announced that the APC would officially unveil Dr. Hamzat’s governorship manifesto on Friday, 30th October 2026. The event is scheduled to take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos. Obanikoro stated that the manifesto would clearly articulate the governorship candidate’s vision, key priorities, and detailed plans for the sustained development of Lagos State.
"I am pleased to announce that the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress will unveil the manifesto of our governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, popularly known as KOH, on Friday, October 30, 2026," he declared.
Obanikoro further explained that the document is designed to focus on continuous development while comprehensively addressing the challenges faced by residents across the state. "Our campaign is anchored on two principles: continued shared progress and inclusivity," he clarified. "Continued shared progress means working together to build a stronger Lagos on the foundation and master plan, creating more opportunities, and improving the lives of our people without break in continuity. Inclusivity means that nobody should be left behind because of religion, tribe, gender, social status, or place of origin."
He emphasised the campaign's belief that all Lagos residents, regardless of their backgrounds, should have a voice in shaping the state's future. "Lagos belongs to all of us, for those who call it home, while respecting and preserving the indigenous people of Lagos State. Every resident and taxpayer has a stake in its future, and every community deserves to be heard," he affirmed.
Obanikoro mentioned that provisions would be made to allow the public to download the manifesto after its presentation, enabling them to study the proposals and submit feedback through designated party channels. He concluded by highlighting that the campaign has already engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, market women, traders, young people, professionals, artisans, and community leaders.
"These consultations are important because we believe that leadership must listen before it acts. We want the concerns of ordinary Lagosians to inform our priorities. We want a development agenda that reflects the realities of our people," he concluded.
The campaign Director-General also underscored Dr. Hamzat’s robust academic credentials, extensive private-sector career, and years of dedicated public service, deeming this combination particularly relevant for the demanding role of governing Lagos. Dr. Hamzat, who currently serves as the Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, holds a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University in England. His professional background includes tenures at prominent financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley before he transitioned into public service.