Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be an early and potentially contentious succession race within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement was announced on Monday following a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key party stakeholders.
‘Fit, ready and well-prepared’
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as a consensus among party leaders present.
“We have just received the Deputy Governor, who came with a strong delegation of leaders to formally declare his intention. After extensive deliberations, it was unanimous that he is fit, ready, and well-prepared for the task,” the governor said.
He emphasised Hamzat’s experience and close working relationship with him over the past seven years, describing him as a dependable partner in governance.
“He has demonstrated integrity, loyalty, and commitment at the highest level. This is someone who understands the system deeply — a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor also acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu in shaping both his political journey and that of his deputy.
“We remain grateful to our leader and father, Mr President, whose vision brought us together. What we are seeing today is a continuation of that long-term vision,” he said.
Stakeholders signal early alignment
Sources at the meeting said members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, were present, reinforcing the weight of the endorsement within Lagos APC’s power structure.
Sanwo-Olu characterised the gathering as a “family consultation”, noting that the decision followed broad agreement among party elders and government officials.
“This is not a solitary decision; it reflects the collective will of leaders who believe he deserves the opportunity to lead Lagos,” he said.
Brewing contest and Tinubu factor
The endorsement comes amid growing speculation over the 2027 Lagos governorship race, particularly reports suggesting that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, may be weighing a bid for the state’s top office.
While Seyi Tinubu has not formally declared his intention, his increasing visibility in political and youth mobilisation activities across Lagos has fuelled discussions within APC circles and beyond. Observers say his potential entry could reshape the dynamics of the race, given his proximity to the President and influence among younger party supporters.
Political analysts note that Lagos politics has historically been shaped by strong internal consensus within the APC, often guided by the influence of President Tinubu, widely regarded as the state’s political linchpin. However, the emergence of multiple strong interests ahead of 2027 suggests the possibility of a more competitive and less predictable primary process.
Hamzat, a technocrat-turned-politician, previously served as Commissioner for Science and Technology and later as Commissioner for Works before becoming deputy governor in 2019. His supporters argue that his administrative experience and continuity credentials position him as a stabilising choice.
Yet, with whispers of alternative ambitions within influential circles — including those linked to the President’s political family — the road to the APC ticket may not be entirely smooth.
Early Signals, High Stakes
Sanwo-Olu’s early endorsement is widely seen as an attempt to consolidate support around Hamzat and pre-empt internal divisions. It also signals that political manoeuvring for 2027 is already gathering heat.
As alignments begin to crystallise, the Lagos governorship race is expected to draw significant national attention, not only because of the state’s economic importance but also due to its central role in Nigeria’s political power structure.
For now, Hamzat has secured a crucial endorsement — but the unfolding contest may ultimately test the APC’s tradition of consensus politics in Lagos.