A coalition of professionals under the aegis of Lagos Technocrats for Hamzat has endorsed Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, for the 2027 governorship election, describing him as the most competent candidate to lead the state’s next phase of development.

The group announced the endorsement on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos, where it also unveiled a series of grassroots initiatives, including artificial intelligence (AI) training, teacher development programmes, free healthcare outreaches and youth empowerment schemes.

Speaking at the event, Mike Egbayelo, convener of the coalition and chief executive officer (CEO) of Excellerate Business School, said Lagos needs a leader whose track record extends beyond politics to competence, innovation and measurable results.

Egbayelo said the coalition comprises professionals from engineering, healthcare, technology, public policy and academia.

He added that the group would embark on statewide engagements with professional bodies, market leaders, artisans and students to mobilise support for Hamzat’s governorship bid.

According to him, the coalition aims to register 50,000 technocrats across the state through an online portal while launching an “Upskill 10,000” initiative to equip residents with skills in AI, data analytics, solar panel installation, leather works and garment making.

“We believe governance should increasingly be driven by innovation, strategic planning, technology, transparency and measurable outcomes,” Egbayelo said.

“We also plan to train 1,000 teachers in modern pedagogy, organise free medical missions across the state’s three senatorial districts, and introduce a blindness prevention programme.”

Tim Akano, co-convener of the coalition and managing director of New Horizons Ltd, said Lagos has the potential to become Africa’s leading AI hub through deliberate investment in digital infrastructure.

Akano said professionals could no longer remain on the sidelines of politics given changing global economic realities and tightening migration policies.

He argued that building a technology-driven local economy would create opportunities for young Nigerians and help reduce the “Japa” phenomenon.

Egbayelo dismissed concerns over funding and possible ethnic or religious divisions within the coalition, saying the group is funded through members’ personal contributions and driven by professional values rather than political patronage.

He said the coalition’s initiatives are aimed at promoting innovation, skills development and technology-driven governance in Lagos.

The endorsement comes amid growing political consultations ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election, with various stakeholder groups beginning to align behind potential aspirants.