The Human Rights Association (HRA) has thrown its weight behind Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary scheduled for May 2026.
The endorsement was announced in a statement by the association's chairman, Saad Kassis-Mohamed, who explained that the decision was based on an evaluation of Hamzat's performance in public office and his governance approach.
Hamzat has been deputy governor of Lagos State since 2019. Before that, he held various executive positions in the state government, focusing on infrastructure, science, and technology. According to the HRA, his tenure has emphasized institutional development, urban expansion, and service delivery. The association noted that these priorities align with governance standards that reflect human rights principles, particularly in a state of Lagos's scale and economic importance.
Kassis-Mohamed clarified that the endorsement does not represent an official institutional position of the HRA but rather 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 organization. However, it emphasized that the significance of leadership in Lagos, given its population and economic role, prompted 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 aims 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, labor rights, and civic participation.
The organization, which operates across West and Central Africa, highlighted its involvement in humanitarian interventions and labor 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 prioritize accountability to citizens.
