Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat Emerges as Frontrunner for 2027 Lagos Governorship with Major Political Endorsements

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat is declared most qualified to succeed Sanwo-Olu as Lagos Governor in 2027, receiving backing from Speaker Obasa and key groups.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 6:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Strategic Alignment for Governance Continuity

The Renewed Hope Labourers Network has formally endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 governorship race. During a statement issued on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the group argued that Hamzat’s deep involvement in the current administration’s infrastructure and technology initiatives makes him the ideal candidate to sustain the state’s developmental trajectory. John Folarin Odusote, the group's Lagos coordinator, stated that after extensive consultations, members determined that the complexity of managing a megacity like Lagos requires a leader with Hamzat's specific public service experience.

Speaker Obasa Signals Shift in Political Ambitions

In a significant political development, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has publicly identified Hamzat as the "next governor of Lagos State." Obasa, who was previously rumored to be nursing his own governorship ambitions, made the declaration while hosting the Deputy Governor at his Agege residence. The Speaker hinted that his stance followed a recent trip to Abuja, suggesting that the decision aligns with the broader vision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and President Bola Tinubu. This public show of support from the Speaker is seen by analysts as a major consolidation of power behind Hamzat’s candidacy.

Dual Endorsement for Federal and State Leadership

Beyond the governorship, the Renewed Hope Labourers Network has simultaneously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The group maintains that the President’s ongoing economic and institutional reforms require a minimum of eight years to yield their full benefits for the Nigerian populace. By linking the presidential and gubernatorial campaigns, the group seeks to create a unified front focused on "Renewed Hope" at both the federal and state levels, promising to begin intensive grassroots mobilization across Lagos’ local government areas.