Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has ignited fresh political discussions by referring to Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos.” These remarks were made during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, organized by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre in Onikan. The comments have been widely interpreted as a sign of elite consensus within the ruling party.
The event, themed “Addressing Urbanisation and Urban Challenges of Lagos State,” attracted senior political figures, including former Governor Babatunde Fashola, who sat beside Hamzat during the proceedings. Olusi, a prominent ally of President Bola Tinubu, consistently referred to Hamzat in a manner that suggested continuity in Lagos State’s leadership. At one point, he explicitly described the deputy governor as “our incoming Governor of Lagos,” eliciting noticeable reactions from the delegates present. Furthermore, Olusi emphasized Hamzat’s indigenous roots, referring to him as “a son of the soil” and “a cousin from Egbe,” which highlighted Hamzat’s deep ties to the state’s traditional and political landscape.
The IBILE Eko Summit is recognized as a significant platform within Lagos politics, often serving as a venue where key stakeholders, including political leaders and traditional rulers, subtly shape consensus on governance and succession. Observers noted that Olusi’s comments, made in such a prominent setting, carry considerable weight in the state’s succession dynamics. Speculation regarding Hamzat’s potential candidacy has been increasing, especially as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure approaches its conclusion.
While the APC has not yet formally announced its preferred candidate for the 2027 race, Olusi’s remarks are expected to intensify discussions about the party’s direction and the broader political landscape in Lagos. This development underscores the complex interplay of tradition, political alliances, and succession planning in Nigeria’s most populous state, with stakeholders closely monitoring for further signals from the APC leadership.
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