By Abubakar Yunusa
The Allied Forces for Lagos Growth has expressed confidence that the governorship ticket of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi will strengthen the economy of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group said the combination of Hamzat’s administrative experience and Gbeleyi’s financial expertise would position Lagos for greater economic growth and increased investment opportunities.
This was contained in a statement signed by Otunba Kayode Adeyinka Esq. and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the group, the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to present Gbeleyi as Hamzat’s running mate was a clear indication that competence and economic vision would remain central to governance in Lagos.
AFFLAG described Gbeleyi as a seasoned technocrat with vast experience in finance, housing policy, public sector reforms and private sector engagement.
The statement noted that during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Gbeleyi managed one of the most complex fiscal systems in Africa, supervised the state’s annual budgets and strengthened Lagos’ financial credibility.
It added that his experience as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria gave him deep knowledge of affordable housing finance and policies aimed at improving access to home ownership for Nigerians.
The group also highlighted his current role as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, where he oversees government asset reforms and privatisation policies.
“His engagements with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation have given him a strong understanding of global investment systems and investor expectations,” the statement said.
Speaking on Hamzat, the group described the Lagos Deputy Governor as a tested administrator with strong expertise in infrastructure development, urban planning and public administration.
It stated that the alliance between Hamzat and Gbeleyi represented a blend of engineering precision, economic planning and institutional experience needed to move Lagos forward.
“Together, this ticket offers a powerful fusion of administration and finance, public service and private sector discipline.
“Lagos deserves leadership that can manage it as the economic powerhouse it truly is, and the Hamzat-Gbeleyi ticket delivers exactly that,” the statement added.
The group further stated that Gbeleyi’s emergence as running mate was significant for Lagos West, particularly Oshodi-Isolo, describing it as recognition of the district’s political contribution to the state.
AFFLAG, however, urged the incoming administration to prioritise gender inclusion by appointing competent women into strategic positions if elected into office in 2027.
It called on Lagosians to support the ticket, insisting that the alliance represented merit, experience and a collective vision for the future of the state.
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