Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State has begun early political consultations with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a move widely seen as positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In a post on X, Hamzat described the meeting as an opportunity for “meaningful dialogue” on Lagos’s future leadership, emphasizing listening, learning, and collaboration.
The GAC, a key decision-making body within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, is led by Tajudeen Olusi and includes influential figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Its role in succession planning, zoning arrangements, and candidate endorsements makes it a critical player in Lagos’s political landscape.
While Hamzat framed the engagement as part of broader consultations, political observers note that such early interactions are customary in Lagos, where aspirants often engage stakeholders years before elections. The meeting has sparked speculation about his potential candidacy, though no formal endorsement has been confirmed.
Unverified social media claims suggested emotional moments during the meeting, with allegations that a GAC member from Lagos East, Otunba Alebiosu, was moved to tears after Hamzat purportedly secured the council’s backing. These claims remain unconfirmed, and Hamzat’s team has not commented further.
The development underscores the structured and strategic nature of Lagos’s political succession process, where the APC’s internal mechanisms often shape candidate emergence well before formal primaries. As 2027 approaches, Hamzat’s engagement with the GAC signals the beginning of a competitive and closely watched race for Lagos’s governorship.
