President Bola Tinubu has officially endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate for the Lagos governorship race in 2027. The endorsement came during a closed-door meeting at the State House in Abuja yesterday, where members of the Lagos Governor's Advisory Council presented Hamzat to the president.
The GAC, led by Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, had unveiled Hamzat as the consensus candidate on Tuesday before bringing him to meet Tinubu. Those present at the State House meeting included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbahabiamila, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Mukail Abiru, and other party leaders.
Hamzat told journalists after the meeting that he felt honoured by Tinubu's blessing. "These are fathers, they are leaders, they've seen a lot of Christmases, they've seen a lot of Eid El Kabir, so they have experience, and therefore, I'm really, really excited that they brought me here to meet Mr. President, and Mr. President has blessed us and blessed the decision of GAC," he said.
When asked about his readiness for the governorship race, Hamzat acknowledged the weight of the task but expressed confidence in his experience as deputy governor. "Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu, I've learned a lot. I know the room. I know where the kitchen is," he said, adding that knowing how to navigate the system was crucial to success.
Olusi defended the consensus arrangement against criticism from other aspirants, including APC chieftain Samuel Ajose, who had questioned its legitimacy. Olusi said dissenting voices were part of democratic politics but insisted the consensus process was standard practice. "It is part of the system that we come together, put our heads together and take a course of action. People are free to comment, but what they comment on is nothing with all of us," he said.
Despite the presidential endorsement and the consensus backing, the APC reiterated that it would still conduct primaries to ensure fairness. The party scheduled the governorship primaries for May 21, 2026, with nomination form submission closing on Monday, May 4. This means Hamzat will face other candidates in the primary election even with Tinubu's support and the GAC's backing.
