Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat received the formal backing of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC) on Tuesday, solidifying his position as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the city‑state.
The endorsement was announced in a statement posted on X by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat. The post quoted FAC leader Tajudeen Olusi, who said the GAC unanimously adopted Hamzat as the APC’s preferred candidate during a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina. The council also confirmed that it had covered the cost of Hamzat’s nomination form.
The GAC’s approval comes less than 24 hours after Governor Sanwo‑Olu publicly declared Hamzat his anointed successor. The rapid succession of endorsements signals a concerted effort by the state’s ruling party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2023, is widely regarded as a technocrat with experience in finance and public‑private partnerships. His rise within the APC follows a broader trend of consolidating party structures in Lagos, a state that has been an APC stronghold since the party’s formation in 1998.
The APC’s Governance Advisory Council, the party’s highest advisory body in Lagos, plays a pivotal role in shaping candidate selection and strategic direction. Its unanimous decision is expected to streamline internal party processes and discourage factional disputes that have historically affected electoral outcomes.
Political analysts note that early consensus on a candidate may give the party a strategic advantage, allowing more time for campaign planning, fundraising, and voter outreach. The endorsement also underscores Governor Sanwo‑Olu’s influence in shaping the party’s succession plan.
With the GAC’s endorsement now on record, Hamzat’s campaign is poised to shift from internal party positioning to broader public engagement. Further details on his policy platform and campaign timeline are anticipated in the coming months as the 2027 election approaches.
