Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress governorship flag-bearer in Lagos, has been endorsed by the founder of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Chukwuebuka Obi.  

In a statement on Sunday, after making the endorsement during his birthday celebration at the ZPMO headquarters, where Mr Hamzat joined the congregation to celebrate the cleric, Mr Obi appealed for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and properties in Lagos.

“The founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO), Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has pledged his support for Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, as he called for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and properties across the state.

“Obi made the appeal during his birthday celebration at the ZPMO headquarters, where Hamzat joined the congregation and other guests to celebrate and pray for the cleric. Prior to the birthday celebration, the deputy governor had paid a visit to the cleric as part of his stakeholder consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election,” the statement said.

The cleric, while recounting an earlier meeting with him, explained that he sought the safety of Igbo traders and entrepreneurs in major commercial centres, including Alaba International Market, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market, not for personal benefit but to protect the investments and livelihoods of Igbo residents contributing to the state’s commercial activities.

The cleric said, “I told him about our people at the Trade Fair, Alaba International and other markets. I told him about Igbo businessmen and women in Lagos. What I demanded from him was not for myself. I wanted our people’s properties and businesses to be safe.”

Mr Obi, affirming his support for Mr Hamzat and his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, offered prayers for their success at the polls and urged the congregation to pray for the candidate’s long life, wisdom and success.

Mr Hamzat acknowledged the role of faith-based organisations in community development, noting that their contributions extend beyond spiritual activities to social welfare, youth empowerment and family support.

Reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement, and that every resident should have the opportunity to thrive regardless of background, he highlighted the economic benefits of religious activities in the state.

Mr Hamzar said, “As we work towards a Lagos where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, I believe progress must go hand in hand with inclusion and a genuine commitment to the welfare of our people. Hundreds of thousands of people come to Lagos. When they come, they rent hotels, they eat food, they rent somewhere to stay, and therefore increase the economic activity of our state, blessing other people. So why should we stop that?”

Mr Hamzat assured the cleric that he had taken up the issues affecting traders, pledging that the road leading to Alaba International Market would be dualised and reconstructed, adding that he had engaged market leaders and was still consulting business stakeholders to understand their challenges and identify areas needing government intervention.