The Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially endorsed Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement clears the path for Hamzat to secure the party's ticket, following earlier support from key party structures, including the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the State Executive Council under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and influential blocs such as the Mandate Group and Justice Forum, as well as senatorial leaders across the three districts.
Nomination Forms Purchased
In a strong show of support, the 34-member GAC resolved to purchase the N50 million governorship nomination forms for Hamzat. However, the Council clarified that despite adopting a consensus candidate, the party will still conduct primaries for all elective positions in line with its constitution and guidelines.
Consultation Visit
The endorsement followed a consultation visit by Hamzat and GAC members to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council at the State House in Marina, shortly after the Council's meeting. During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his support for his deputy, describing him as competent and well-suited to succeed him. He recalled their longstanding relationship, which predated their joint ticket in 2019, noting that they had worked closely during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
According to the governor, Hamzat possesses the experience, intellect, and temperament required for leadership, adding that his contributions at both state and national levels have earned him widespread respect. Sanwo-Olu also attributed Lagos' political stability to what he described as a structured and rancour-free succession tradition within the APC, stressing the need to sustain the state's developmental trajectory. He said the party would not 'hand over Lagos to charlatans,' insisting that Hamzat remains the most qualified to continue the state's governance agenda.
Presidential Nomination Forms for Tinubu
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state chapter of the APC had similarly purchased the N100 million presidential nomination forms for President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming support for his administration's renewed hope agenda.
Hamzat's Response
Responding, Hamzat expressed appreciation to the governor and party leadership for their confidence in him. He dismissed the notion of deputy governors as 'spare tyres,' stating that he had functioned as a full partner in governance over the past seven years. He pledged to sustain the developmental strides recorded in the state, emphasizing the state's strategic importance to Nigeria's economic stability. Hamzat also underscored the need to preserve the APC's tradition of seamless leadership transition, assuring party leaders and supporters of his commitment to protecting the state's progress.
