In a major political and consultation engagement ahead of future elections, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has led an official delegation on a courtesy visit to the leadership of the prominent Qadiriyya Islamic Sect in Lagos.

The high-level delegation was warmly received by the leader of the sect, Sheikh Abdulateef Ibrahim Shugaba NDA Salaty, alongside His Eminence Fadilatu Dr. Shehu Abdulkadir Jimoh, the Sarkin Qadiriyya na Africa, and executive members of the movement. 

Sheikh Salaty offered prayers for peace, divine wisdom and sustained progress across Lagos State, while extending goodwill towards the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Qadiriyya movement, spokesperson Imam/Sheikh Adam Muhammad Raji Adebayo, reaffirmed the group’s historical alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

He recalled their active involvement during the 2023 campaign at Teslim Balogun Stadium for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the group remains committed to showing solidarity with the ruling party.

However, Imam Adams highlighted critical areas where the movement seeks state intervention, noting that the movement assisted the government in persuading members to obey the ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) on major highways. He thus, urged the state government to fulfill its promise of providing alternative livelihoods for displaced riders.

With over two million Qadiriyya members spread across all local councils in Lagos, the group seeks the inclusion of its youths in the state security frameworks.

Specifically, the leadership called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to involve Qadiriyya members in official state Hajj operations.

Adding to the call for civic engagement, Hajia Zikrat Adetoro urged the congregation to turn out in full force to ensure their democratic influence is reflected at the polls.

Addressing the assembly, the Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressed gratitude for the audience and acknowledged the sect’s continuous cooperation with the administration.

He raised concerns over historically low voter turnout among Muslim communities in Lagos compared to other states, citing Osun State’s recent gubernatorial election turnout of roughly 57 percent. “As we are plenty, we should all come out to vote,” Dr. Hamzat emphasized. “This time around, we must deplore the numerical strength as Qadiriyya alone can give us one million votes.”

Dr. Hamzat noted that political leverage directly influences how effectively promises are fulfilled, urging the clerics to mobilize their followers to vote overwhelmingly for the APC.  

He particularly praised the movement’s women for their consistent participation on election days. Curtains drew on the visit with a request for blessings and continued partnership for the state’s growth.