President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday after a meeting between the President and members of the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation was led by GAC Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, alongside Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Confirming the development, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the President formally backed Hamzat during the closed-door meeting, signaling strong party support for the deputy governor’s ambition.
Reacting to the endorsement, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as a dependable and capable leader, noting that the President’s support reflects confidence in his ability to lead Lagos State. He added that Hamzat has been instrumental in the current administration and possesses the experience required to sustain and expand ongoing development efforts.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the endorsement provides clarity on the future political direction of the state, expressing optimism that the vision of a greater Lagos will be sustained under Hamzat’s leadership.
The President’s backing follows an earlier decision by the Governance Advisory Council, the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, which unanimously adopted Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate. The decision was reached during a meeting of party leaders at Lagos House, Marina.
Speaking after the meeting, GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi explained that while the APC constitution allows for primary elections, the party opted for a consensus arrangement to promote unity and cohesion among members. He noted that all 21 members of the council agreed to support Hamzat’s candidacy.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had also previously expressed support for his deputy, describing him as well-prepared and qualified to take on the responsibility of governing the state.
Hamzat, 61, has served as Deputy Governor since 2019 and was re-elected alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2023 for a second term. Prior to his current role, he held commissioner positions during the administrations of Bola Tinubu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola, gaining extensive experience in public service and governance.
Tinubu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as Lagos APC Consensus Candidate for 2027 Governorship
