Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State has initiated early political consultations with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a move that is widely interpreted as a strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In a post on X, Hamzat characterized the meeting as an opportunity for “meaningful dialogue” regarding the future leadership of Lagos. He emphasized the importance of listening, learning, and collaboration in these discussions.
The GAC serves as a crucial decision-making body within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Led by Tajudeen Olusi, the council includes influential figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Its significant role in succession planning, zoning arrangements, and candidate endorsements makes it a vital player in the political landscape of Lagos. Although Hamzat framed this engagement as part of broader consultations, political observers note that early interactions like this are customary in Lagos, where aspirants often begin engaging stakeholders years prior to elections.
The meeting has generated speculation regarding Hamzat’s potential candidacy, although no formal endorsement has been confirmed. Unverified claims circulating on social media suggested that there were emotional moments during the meeting, with allegations that a GAC member from Lagos East, Otunba Alebiosu, was moved to tears after Hamzat allegedly secured the council’s support. However, these claims remain unverified, and Hamzat’s team has not provided additional comments on the matter.
This development highlights the structured and strategic nature of Lagos’s political succession process, where the internal mechanisms of the APC frequently influence the emergence of candidates well before formal primaries. As the 2027 election approaches, Hamzat’s engagement with the GAC marks the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive and closely monitored race for the governorship of Lagos.
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