2027: Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry Backs Hamzat for Lagos Governor, Demands Safety for Igbo Traders

The Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The cleric also called for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and properties across Lagos State.

Evangelist Obi made the appeal during his birthday celebration at the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach headquarters. The event was attended by Dr Hamzat who joined the congregation and other guests to celebrate and pray for the cleric.

Before the birthday celebration, the deputy governor had visited the cleric as part of his stakeholder consultations ahead of the 2027 election. He was accompanied by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Governorship Campaign Council, his deputy governorship candidate Princess Damilola Sonayon James, and Lagos APC Chairman Hon. Pastor Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi.

Speaking at the event, Obi said he had sought assurances during their earlier meeting for the safety of Igbo traders and entrepreneurs operating in major commercial centres including Alaba International Market, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market.

According to him, the request was not for personal benefit but to protect the investments, businesses and livelihoods of Igbo residents who contribute significantly to the commercial growth of Lagos.

He said he told Hamzat about Igbo businessmen and women in Lagos and about traders at Trade Fair, Alaba International and other markets, noting that what he demanded was not for himself but for the safety of Igbo properties and businesses.

Obi stressed that the safety of Igbo traders, entrepreneurs and residents should be a priority in building an inclusive Lagos where all communities can thrive.

The cleric thanked the deputy governor for acknowledging Zion Prayer Movement Outreach as a blessing to Lagos State and reaffirmed his support for Hamzat and his running mate.

He offered prayers for their success at the polls and urged the congregation to pray for the candidate’s long life, wisdom and success, while expressing confidence in their electoral prospects.

In his remarks, Dr Hamzat acknowledged the role of faith based organisations in community development, noting that their contributions extend beyond spiritual activities to social welfare, youth empowerment and family support.

He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement, stressing that every Lagos resident should have the opportunity to thrive regardless of background.

Hamzat said as the state works towards a Lagos where every resident has opportunity to thrive, progress must go hand in hand with inclusion and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

The APC candidate also highlighted the economic benefits of religious activities, explaining that visitors who travel to Lagos for worship contribute to the hospitality, food and transport sectors and increase economic activity in the state.

Addressing concerns raised by Obi about market infrastructure, Hamzat disclosed that he had taken up issues affecting traders and pledged that the road leading to Alaba International Market would be dualised and reconstructed.

He added that he had engaged market leaders and was continuing consultations with business stakeholders to understand their challenges and identify areas requiring government intervention.

Hamzat urged the congregation to continue praying for Evangelist Obi and the ministry, emphasising the importance of collaboration between government, religious institutions and other stakeholders in advancing Lagos State’s development.