Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has cleared the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Screening Committee’s assessment in Abuja, a prerequisite for the party’s 2027 Lagos State governorship primary.
Speaking after the exercise on Saturday, Hamzat described the screening as “comprehensive, transparent and consistent with the democratic principles of the APC.” He said the process was intended to verify the credentials, records and experience presented by aspirants seeking the party’s nomination.
“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag. The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable,” Hamzat told reporters. “We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided. It is basically to confirm that what you wrote is truly reflective of your experience and service.”
According to the deputy governor, committee members examined his documents in detail and sought clarification on specific aspects of his professional background and years of public service. The panel also probed the range of responsibilities he has held while serving in government, aiming to gauge his capacity to manage the demands of a governorship.
Hamzat expressed confidence in the APC’s primary process, emphasizing his trust in the party’s internal democracy. “I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process. Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people. Our responsibility is to continue offering our best in service to the state and the country,” he said.
He reiterated his belief that Lagos State will continue to serve as a model for innovation, governance and development in Nigeria, and urged leaders to keep citizens’ welfare at the forefront of policy decisions.
The APC screening aligns with the party’s broader effort to vet candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, following a similar exercise conducted for other aspirants across Nigeria. Successful completion of the screening positions Hamzat among the shortlist of potential APC governorship candidates for Lagos, though the final selection will be determined at the party’s primary election later this year.
The outcome underscores the importance the APC places on transparency and merit in its nomination process, signalling to party members and the electorate that candidates will be evaluated on documented achievements and verifiable experience.
