The Allied Forces for Lagos Growth (AFFLAG) has thrown its weight behind the emergence of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The group described the ticket as a combination of competence, administrative experience and economic vision needed to sustain Lagos’ growth as Nigeria’s commercial hub.
In a statement signed by Otunba Kayode Adeyinka Esq. and made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, AFFLAG commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for presenting Gbeleyi as Hamzat’s running mate.
The group said the decision reflected a commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructure development and investment-driven governance.
According to the statement, Gbeleyi’s experience in finance, housing policy and public sector reforms makes him suitable for the position.
“Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi brings to this ticket a depth of experience that few can match. His career spans finance, housing policy, public sector reform, and private sector engagement,” the statement said.
AFFLAG noted that as former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Gbeleyi managed the state’s budget and revenue strategy, helping to strengthen Lagos’ fiscal structure.
The group also highlighted his role as former Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, where he was involved in housing finance reforms aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for Nigerians.
It added that his current position as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises has further exposed him to global investment practices and economic management.
The group equally praised Hamzat’s record in governance, describing him as a tested administrator with strong expertise in infrastructure development and public administration.
“Together, this ticket offers a powerful fusion of engineering and economics, administration and finance, public service and private sector discipline,” the statement added.
AFFLAG maintained that Gbeleyi’s emergence was also significant for Lagos West Senatorial District, particularly Oshodi-Isolo, which it described as a major political bloc in the state.
The group expressed confidence that the Hamzat-Gbeleyi administration, if elected in 2027, would attract both local and foreign investments while expanding infrastructure across Lagos.
AFFLAG, however, urged the incoming administration to prioritise gender inclusion by appointing competent women into strategic positions in government.
It called on Lagosians to support the ticket, insisting that the combination of Hamzat and Gbeleyi represents the best path for the continued economic growth and development of the state.