President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as his preferred candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Lagos state. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President received members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC.
Endorsement at Presidential Meeting
The decision was formalized when Hamzat was presented to President Tinubu by the GAC chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, who described the move as a collective decision of party leaders. According to a statement on the development, President Tinubu received the Lagos Governance Advisory Council led by Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. At the meeting, Deputy Governor Hamzat presented his APC governorship nomination form to the President.
GAC Describes Decision as Consensus
Party insiders indicated that the endorsement followed deliberations among key stakeholders, with the GAC maintaining that Hamzat's emergence reflected a consensus position within the party. The council's leadership noted that the move was aimed at strengthening unity and continuity within the APC in Lagos State.
Backing from Key Party Figures
The endorsement comes amid growing support for Hamzat within the state, including backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the 34-member GAC. Despite reports of reservations from some aspirants, party leaders have insisted that the selection process remains inclusive and transparent.
Early Signals Ahead of 2027 Race
This development signals early political positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos, with the APC appearing to consolidate support around a single candidate. Further reactions from stakeholders and other aspirants are expected as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat presented his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key leaders of the ruling party.
