2027: Tinubu endorses Hamzat as Lagos APC guber candidate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election. The endorsement followed a high-level meeting with the party’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Hamzat said the […]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.
The endorsement followed a high-level meeting with the party’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Hamzat said the delegation—led by GAC Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi—presented him to the President, who subsequently gave his blessing to both him and the council’s decision.
“These are fathers and leaders. They have vast experience, so I’m truly excited they brought me to meet Mr President, who has now blessed both us and the GAC’s decision,” he said.
On his preparedness for the governorship race, the deputy governor acknowledged the scale of the responsibility but expressed confidence in his experience.
“Nobody is ever fully ready because the assignment is audacious. But what I bring is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I’ve learned a lot. I know the system; I know how things work.
If you want to cook for people, you must know the kitchen—no matter how skilled you are. With God’s grace and the support of our leaders, I have no fear,” Hamzat added.
The endorsement comes amid a series of political developments in Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier declared Hamzat his preferred successor on Monday.
The GAC reinforced this position on Tuesday, unanimously adopting Hamzat as its consensus candidate after a special meeting at Lagos House, Marina. The 34-member council also resolved to purchase his ₦50 million nomination form as a show of support.
Addressing journalists after the Villa meeting, Olusi dismissed objections from other aspirants, including APC chieftain Samuel Ajose, who had questioned the legitimacy of the consensus arrangement.
“We are in a democratic space, and people are free to express their opinions. But I have been in politics for decades. I understand how the system works. We consult, deliberate, and agree on a direction. Others may comment, but their views do not override collective decisions,” he said.
The delegation to the Presidential Villa included Governor Sanwo-Olu and other prominent figures within the Lagos APC leadership, with the governor also addressing journalists in Yoruba.