Group Endorses Tinubu, Hamzat for 2027, Cites Political Stability, Economic Gains

Funmi Ogundare

The Renewal Group, a political organization, has publicly backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re‑election in 2027 and endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, as the party’s candidate for the state’s governorship.

Convener Lai Omotola announced the endorsements during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations and deliberations among group members.

Omotola said the group’s support for Tinubu rests largely on the principle of rotational presidency, arguing that it is currently the South’s turn to produce the president and that the region should be allowed to complete its tenure.

“Allowing Tinubu to complete a second term would ensure political continuity and stability in the country,” he said.

He praised the current administration for what he described as improved political stability, attributing it to the alignment between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The convener also noted that revenues accruing to the 36 states had improved under the current administration, while the Nigerian stock market had continued to perform strongly, describing it as one of the most prosperous on the African continent.

“When you aggregate the good and also aggregate that which is not too good, you will find that for the sake of continuity, it is important that we allow the system to continue,” he said.

Speaking about the 2027 general election, Omotola predicted a high voter turnout, noting that Nigerians are showing increasing interest in participating in the electoral process.

He warned politicians against complacency, stressing that no candidate should take the electorate for granted.

On Lagos politics, the group endorsed Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, describing the anticipated transition as the first organic transition in Lagos where a deputy governor would directly succeed a sitting governor.

Omotola described Hamzat as an experienced grassroots politician who has spent years in government and is well positioned to tackle the growing infrastructural and population challenges facing Lagos.

He noted that the next governor of Lagos will inherit enormous responsibilities due to the increasing pressure on the state’s infrastructure caused by the daily influx of residents.

He urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to view electoral victories as collective achievements rather than personal successes.

Commenting on the opposition, Omotola said opposition parties have continued to contribute to democratic development but lack a formidable rallying figure capable of mounting a strong challenge in the next election cycle.

On insecurity, he cautioned against politicising the issue, stressing that lives are at stake.

“We can’t politicise insecurity. It has to do with lives. I am sure the president will not be happy to see lives lost. Curbing insecurity is work in progress,” he stated.

Omotola also called on Nigerians to embrace productivity as the only sustainable path to economic growth and poverty reduction.

According to him, elections will come and go, but national prosperity will only be achieved when citizens engage in productive activities capable of driving economic expansion.

“There is no shortcut, no miracle. Unless our factories work, construction continues and productivity increases, poverty cannot be defeated,” he added.

He encouraged politicians who lost during party primaries not to lose hope, urging them to remain persistent in their political ambitions.