Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2027 election in the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has said that several politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 lack the vision necessary to drive meaningful national transformation.

Hamzat made the remarks on Sunday while addressing members of the APC State Chairmen’s Forum during their visit to major infrastructure projects across Lagos State.

The forum members also paid a courtesy visit to the deputy governor at his residence in Ikoyi.

Speaking on criticisms directed at President Tinubu by some presidential aspirants, Hamzat maintained that many of those seeking leadership positions do not possess the foresight required to govern effectively.

“Many who want to lead do not have vision. We are grateful to have leaders with foresight. Many people could not see what Asiwaju Tinubu envisioned years ago,” he said.

Hamzat described Tinubu as a leader who encourages inclusiveness, innovation and intellectual contributions, regardless of who presents the ideas.

“Before the President, nobody is too small. Once your idea is better, it takes precedence, even above the President’s own. He gives room for ideas to grow,” he added.

The deputy governor noted that Tinubu’s decision to establish specialised agencies during his administration was informed by his belief that dedicated institutions could achieve more effective results than traditional ministries.

According to him, several transformative projects currently shaping Lagos and Nigeria are products of Tinubu’s long-term vision and strategic planning.

Hamzat cited projects such as the rail transport system, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Eko Atlantic City, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway as examples of initiatives conceived through visionary leadership.

“These projects are not merely for transportation; they are meant to industrialise the country and connect Nigerians,” he said.

He explained that improved infrastructure and transportation networks would enhance trade, deepen national unity and stimulate long-term economic growth.

Hamzat further stated that Tinubu’s capacity to attract both domestic and international investors stems from his developmental vision and consistent economic policies.

He also urged APC state chairmen to maintain close working relationships with their respective governors, stressing their importance within the party structure.

“It is important that we continue to strengthen our party,” he said.

The deputy governor equally advised elected public office holders to recognise the significance of political parties in democratic governance and draw lessons from established democracies around the world.

“We must ensure that every elected official understands the importance and value of the party.

“As a nation, we must continue working towards building this country. We cannot afford to fail our people,” he said.

Hamzat also charged leaders at all levels of government to remain transparent and accountable, reminding them that they would ultimately answer to God for their stewardship.

The Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osun State has reaffirmed its non-partisan position while receiving the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

The assurance was given during a meeting between the society’s leadership and the APC candidate in Osogbo on Sunday, where both electoral participation and peaceful conduct before, during and after the poll featured prominently.

Speaking at the gathering, the Secretary of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osun State, Hafiz Akande, said the organisation remained politically neutral despite supporting members who aspire to public office.

Akande stated, “Let me state clearly that as a corporate body, ADS remains non-partisan.

“However, the Society will never rebuke, sideline, or abandon our own who show an active interest in governance. The Society fully recognises the need to support our members who aspire to positions of authority.”

“We firmly believe that authority is a sacred trust (Amanah) from Allah, and no one attains it except by His divine permission. Therefore, it is a noble pursuit for our members to strive for leadership with sincerity and competence for the ultimate benefit of the wider society.”

Addressing the gathering, Oyebamiji appealed to eligible voters to protect the value of their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, by refusing to exchange their votes for financial inducements during the election.

He described the PVC as a constitutional instrument that enables citizens to determine those who govern them and urged residents to use it responsibly at the polls.

“The PVC is an instrument that confers the right on each person to have a say in deciding who leads or presides over their affairs for a stipulated period.

“I am appealing to our people not to commercialise their PVC but use it wisely to vote for someone who has the capacity and potential to lead appropriately,” Oyebamiji said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he was never offered N500 billion to contest against the National Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election to divide votes in the South-South region.

Jonathan made this clarification in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Ikechukwu Eze, on Sunday.

Eze described the speculation as completely false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to drag him into needless political controversy.

According to him, the report falsely claimed that Jonathan disclosed receiving an offer of N500 billion to challenge Peter Obi in the presidential race.

He noted that the publication failed to provide basic details expected of a credible report, including when and where the alleged statement was made, the identity of those who supposedly made the offer, or any witnesses to support the claim.

The ex-president’s media aide added that the story bore all the characteristics of fabricated news designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Jonathan was never involved in the ‘N500 billion offer to divide the South’s votes against Peter Obi in the 2027 general elections.

“Nigerians should disregard the report entirely and exercise caution by verifying sensational political claims before circulating them.

“The build-up to every election season often witnesses a surge in misinformation and fake attributions, warning that such reports should not be mistaken for verified facts.

“Jonathan has not made any statement suggesting he was offered money to contest the presidency or undermine any candidate,” Eze said.