Abuja businessman Jim-Kamal is contesting the Lagos gubernatorial election

An Abuja-based businessman, Mr Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, on Saturday declared his intention to contest the Lagos State gubernatorial primary election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jim-Kamal, in his declaration before loyalists and leaders of the Dynamic Group, a political movement, said that it was now the turn of the indigenous people of Lagos to take over the leadership of the state.

The businessman said that he offered himself to serve the country diligently and take it to greater heights.

He said: “I came to serve my people. Everyone sitting here can give me testimony that the Aworis (core owners of Lagos State) have been marginalized in this state.

“That has been our view all along, but our approach must be diplomatic.

“Now, we will take what is ours, and we will get it by God’s grace. We have what it takes; we have the people. Awori controls 16 of the 20 local government areas in the state.

“We are determined, but we will respect every point of view in this state. As the 2027 election approaches, we are mapping out a strategy to fill positions of interest.”

Jim-Kamal, who said he was born in Isheri Oke, now Ikosi-Isheri, said the declaration was a response to the call of the original owners of the country.

READ ALSO: APGA releases 2027 election schedule, pegs presidential form at N75m

He said his political career began in 1988 when he became the youngest chairmanship candidate in Ikeja Local Government, which is now divided into Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Alimosho and Ikeja.

He also recalled how he became one of the youngest gubernatorial aspirants in 1999, adding that he was asked to step down by leaders like the late Chief Abraham Adesanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu and the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

Jim-Kamal dismissed reports of an APC consensus agreement to nominate Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 elections.

The prospective candidate noted that the party leadership had agreed to direct primaries due to the lack of an overall consensus.