Tinubu’s 2027 re-election chances far better than 2023 – Lagos Dep Gov. Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has said President Bola Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election are stronger than they were in 2023, arguing that some of the issues that affected his first election bid have now faded.

Hamzat, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos for the 2027 election, said Nigerians would approach the next election with a better understanding of Tinubu’s leadership record.

Speaking during an interview on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout, the deputy governor said religious concerns were among the major issues that shaped conversations around Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid.

According to him, Tinubu faced challenges as a Muslim candidate from Southern Nigeria competing in a country with strong religious sensitivities.

“In 2023, when the president won the primaries of our party, I think it’s a calculation of their own,” Hamzat said.

He explained that questions around religion and regional identity affected how some voters viewed Tinubu’s candidacy.

However, Hamzat said the situation had changed because Nigerians had now seen how Tinubu’s administration operates.

He argued that Tinubu’s appointments and policies had shown that religion and ethnicity were not the basis for decision-making.

“Our president is somebody that looks for credible people, that looks for intelligent people. He’s blinded to your ethnicity. He’s blinded to your religion,” he said.

The Lagos deputy governor added that Tinubu would enter the 2027 election with something he did not have in 2023 — a record in office that voters can assess.

“It’s the president. He has records that he can defend,” he said.

Hamzat also pointed to Lagos as an example of religious cooperation, saying political leadership should focus on unity rather than differences.

He maintained that the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket had reduced because, according to him, Nigerians had seen how the administration has governed.

“So I think the chances are far, far, far better,” Hamzat said.

Tinubu defeated his major challengers in the 2023 presidential election and is seeking a second term in 2027, with opposition parties expected to challenge the APC’s hold on power.