Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has sparked fresh political discussions after referring to Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos.”
The remarks, made during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, have been widely interpreted as an indication of elite consensus within the ruling party. The event, themed “Addressing Urbanisation and Urban Challenges of Lagos State,” drew senior political figures, including former Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was seated beside Hamzat during the proceedings.
Olusi, a prominent ally of President Bola Tinubu, repeatedly referred to Hamzat in terms suggesting continuity in Lagos State’s leadership. At one point, he described the deputy governor as “our incoming Governor of Lagos,” drawing noticeable reactions from delegates. He also emphasised Hamzat’s indigenous roots, calling him “a son of the soil” and “a cousin from Egbe,” underscoring his deep ties to the state’s traditional and political landscape.
The IBILE Eko Summit is regarded as a significant platform within Lagos politics, often serving as a forum where key stakeholders, including political leaders and traditional rulers, subtly shape consensus on governance and succession. Observers noted that Olusi’s comments, delivered in such a setting, carry considerable weight in the state’s succession dynamics.
Speculation over Hamzat’s potential candidacy has been growing, particularly as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure nears its end. While the APC has yet to formally announce its preferred candidate for the 2027 race, Olusi’s remarks are likely to intensify discussions about the party’s direction and the broader political landscape in Lagos.
The development underscores the intricate interplay of tradition, political alliances, and succession planning in Nigeria’s most populous state, with stakeholders closely watching for further signals from the APC leadership.
