2027: Obi, Zion Ministry Founder, Backs Hamzat, Seeks Protection for Igbo Businesses in Lagos

The Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO), Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has pledged his support for Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, as he called for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and properties across the state.

Obi made the appeal during his birthday celebration at the ZPMO headquarters, where Hamzat, joined the congregation and other guests to celebrate and pray for the cleric. Prior to the birthday celebration, the deputy governor had paid a visit to the cleric as part of his stakeholder consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Hamzat was accompanied during the visit by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Governorship Campaign Council; deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James; and Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi

Recounting their earlier meeting, Obi disclosed that he had specifically sought assurances for the safety of Igbo traders and entrepreneurs operating in major commercial centres, including Alaba International Market, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market.

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

“I told him about our people at the Trade Fair, Alaba International and other markets. I told him about Igbo businessmen and women in Lagos. What I demanded from him was not for myself. I wanted our people’s properties and businesses to be safe,” Obi said.

He 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 ZPMO as a blessing to Lagos State.

Reaffirming his support for Hamzat and his running mate, Obi offered prayers for their success at the polls and urged the congregation to pray for the candidate’s long life, wisdom and success, as he expressed his confidence in their electoral prospects.

In his remarks, 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.

“As we work towards a Lagos where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, I believe progress must go hand in hand with inclusion and a genuine commitment to the welfare of our people,” Hamzat said.

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.

“Hundreds of thousands of people come to Lagos. When they come, they rent hotels, they eat food, they rent somewhere to stay, and therefore increase the economic activity of our state, blessing other people. So why should we stop that?” he said.

Addressing Obi’s concerns about market infrastructure, Hamzat disclosed that he had taken up the 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 Obi and the ministry, emphasising the importance of collaboration between government, religious institutions and other stakeholders in advancing Lagos State’s development.