Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat Initiates GAC Consultations; Rumors of Early Endorsement Surface for 2027 Race

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat begins early consultations with the influential GAC, sparking rumors of an early endorsement for the 2027 Lagos governorship.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 3:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Succession Planning Intensifies in Lagos

Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has officially triggered the state’s well-known internal consultation machinery ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Hamzat announced via social media that he met with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) on Monday to discuss the strategic direction and leadership requirements for the state’s next chapter. This early move is characteristic of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) structure, which prioritizes consensus-building among veteran stakeholders long before official primaries take place.

The Influence of the Governance Advisory Council

The GAC remains the most potent political organ within the Lagos APC, serving as the final arbiter for succession planning and candidate endorsements. Led by Tajudeen Olusi, the council’s membership includes the state’s political elite and high-ranking national figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Hamzat’s decision to seek the council’s "experience and guidance" is viewed by analysts as a mandatory first step for any serious contender wishing to secure the party's institutional backing.

Speculation and Unverified Endorsement Claims

While the Deputy Governor’s official statement focused on "listening and learning," political circles in Lagos are already abuzz with claims of a potential breakthrough. A local commentary platform alleged that the meeting included significant moments of support, claiming that Otunba Alebiosu, a prominent GAC member from Lagos East, expressed visible emotion following a purported consensus on Hamzat’s candidacy. However, these reports of a formal endorsement remain unconfirmed by the GAC or the Deputy Governor’s office.