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| L-R: Dr Isaac Adanikeh, CEO Isaac John Business Solutions Ltd, Dr Mike Oladunjoye Egbayelo, Convener, Dr Tim Akano Managing Director, New Horizons Ltd and Dr Adeleke Adedeji, Chief Operating Officer, Henry Karl Company Ltd, at the launch of Technocrats for Hamzat, in Lagos. |
As political alignments ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election begin to gather momentum, a coalition of professionals under the aegis of Lagos Technocrats for Hamzat has endorsed the state's Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred candidate for the state's top job.
The group, which unveiled its position during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, also announced a series of technology, healthcare and education initiatives aimed at mobilising public support while promoting what it described as a knowledge-driven governance model.
Convener of the coalition and Chief Executive Officer of Excellerate Business School, Dr. Mike Oladunjoye Egbayelo, said the endorsement followed a careful assessment of Hamzat's record in public service, describing him as the most competent leader to drive Lagos' next phase of development.
According to him, the coalition comprises professionals drawn from engineering, healthcare, information technology, public policy and academia, who believe governance should be driven by competence, innovation and measurable results rather than politics alone.
Egbayelo disclosed that the group plans to register 50,000 professionals across Lagos through an online platform as part of efforts to build grassroots support for Hamzat ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
He said the coalition would also embark on engagements with professional associations, artisans, market leaders, students and community groups across the state.
Beyond political mobilisation, Egbayelo announced an "Upskill 10,000" programme designed to equip Lagos residents with skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, solar panel installation, leather production and garment making.
He added that the coalition would train 1,000 teachers in modern teaching methods, organise free medical outreaches across the state's three senatorial districts and launch a blindness prevention initiative as part of its community intervention programmes.
"We believe governance should increasingly be driven by innovation, strategic planning, technology, transparency and measurable outcomes. Our programmes are designed to empower residents while demonstrating the type of leadership Lagos requires for the future," he said.
Also speaking, the group's Co-convener and Managing Director of New Horizons Nigeria, Dr. Timi Akano, said Lagos possesses the capacity to become Africa's leading artificial intelligence hub if government makes deliberate investments in digital infrastructure and technology development.
Akano said professionals could no longer afford to remain passive in the nation's political process, arguing that increasing global economic competition and tighter immigration policies have made it imperative for Nigeria to build a strong technology-driven economy capable of creating opportunities for young people.
He maintained that the coalition was motivated by the need to reduce youth unemployment and discourage the growing trend of emigration by promoting innovation and digital skills development.
Responding to questions on funding, Egbayelo dismissed suggestions that the coalition was being financed by political interests, insisting that members were funding the movement through personal contributions.
He also rejected concerns that the group could be divided along ethnic or religious lines, stressing that its membership was built on professional competence, shared values and a commitment to good governance.
The endorsement comes as consultations ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election continue to intensify, with political groups and stakeholders beginning to align behind potential contenders for the state's highest office.