The Human Rights Association (HRA) has expressed support for Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary scheduled for May 2026.

The endorsement was conveyed in a statement issued by the association’s chairman, Saad Kassis-Mohamed, who said the position was based on an assessment of Hamzat’s performance in public office and his approach to governance.

Hamzat has served as deputy governor of Lagos State since 2019. Prior to that, he held several executive roles in the state government, including in the areas of infrastructure and science and technology.

According to the HRA, his tenure has been marked by a focus on institutional development, urban expansion, and service delivery. The association said these priorities align with governance standards that reflect human rights principles, particularly in a state with the scale and economic importance of Lagos.

Kassis-Mohamed noted that the endorsement does not represent an official institutional position of the HRA, describing it instead as a personal stance taken in his capacity as a public advocate.

“Lagos requires a governor who understands that infrastructure, economic access, and civic dignity are not separate agendas. They are one agenda. Dr. Hamzat has demonstrated, over the course of two terms, that he grasps this.

That is the basis of this endorsement,” he said.
The HRA stated that it does not typically take positions on electoral contests, maintaining its independence as a human rights organisation.

However, it said the significance of leadership in Lagos, given its population and economic role, informed the decision to contribute to public discourse on the governorship race.

The association also acknowledged that the outcome of the APC primary and the eventual governorship election remains the prerogative of party members and the electorate.

It added that the endorsement is intended to introduce a human rights perspective into discussions around candidate selection, without undermining democratic processes.

The HRA said it would continue to monitor governance in Lagos and across the region, engaging with administrations on issues including urban management, public health, labour rights, and civic participation.

The organisation, which operates across West and Central Africa, highlighted its involvement in humanitarian interventions and labour rights advocacy. It also referenced its engagement with international bodies such as the United Nations, including communications to UN Special Rapporteurs concerning the case of imprisoned American athlete, Jarred Shaw.

The association described its position on the Lagos governorship as consistent with its broader principle that governance should prioritise accountability to citizens.