The Allied Forces for Lagos Growth has welcomed the emergence of Mr Ayo Gbeleyi as the running mate to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group described the decision as a strong indication that the future leadership of Lagos State would be driven by competence, fiscal discipline and economic growth.
This was contained in a statement signed by Otunba Kayode Adeyinka Esq. and made available to journalists on Monday in Abuja.
According to the group, Gbeleyi’s wealth of experience in finance, housing policy, public sector reforms and private sector engagement makes him suitable for the position.
The statement noted that during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Gbeleyi managed the state’s budgets and strengthened the financial structure that continues to support Lagos’ economic credibility.
It added that his experience as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria also placed him at the centre of affordable housing finance policies aimed at improving access to home ownership for Nigerians.
The group further stated that Gbeleyi’s current role as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises has exposed him to international investment practices through engagements with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.
“His hands-on engagement with international financial institutions has sharpened his understanding of how global investment works and what investors expect from government,” the statement said.
Speaking on Hamzat, AFFLAG described the Lagos deputy governor as a tested administrator with vast knowledge in infrastructure development, urban planning and governance.
The group said the Hamzat-Gbeleyi ticket represents a combination of engineering expertise, economic management and public sector experience capable of advancing Lagos State’s economic ambitions.
“One man brings the structure; the other brings the resources to fill it,” the statement added.
AFFLAG also stressed that Gbeleyi’s emergence would strengthen support for the APC in Lagos West Senatorial District, particularly Oshodi-Isolo, which it described as a major voting bloc in the state.
The group, however, urged the incoming administration to prioritise gender inclusion by appointing competent women into strategic positions in government.
“A government that excludes half of its talent pool cannot deliver at full capacity. Inclusion is not sentiment — it is sound governance,” the statement added.
AFFLAG called on Lagosians to support the Hamzat-Gbeleyi ticket, saying the partnership would position Lagos as a stronger commercial hub for Nigeria and the African continent.
