President Tinubu Ratifies Obafemi Hamzat as Lagos APC Consensus Candidate Following High-Level Governance Advisory Council Deliberations

President Bola Tinubu ratifies Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the APC consensus candidate for 2027, following a GAC endorsement in Abuja.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 6:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Formal Ratification of the Succession Framework

The political transition in Lagos State has gained significant clarity following a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu has officially endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress in the upcoming 2027 governorship race. This ratification follows a formal presentation by the Governance Advisory Council, the apex leadership body of the party in Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the delegation, characterized the move as a validation of the collective judgment of seasoned leaders who have guided the state’s political direction for decades.

Prioritizing Institutional Memory and Executive Experience

In his first official remarks following the endorsement, Deputy Governor Hamzat emphasized that his preparation for the role is rooted in his deep familiarity with the current administration’s inner workings. He acknowledged the audacity of the assignment but argued that his tenure under Governor Sanwo-Olu has provided him with the necessary experience to navigate the complexities of state governance. Hamzat used a culinary metaphor to describe his readiness, stating that an effective chef must know the layout of the kitchen to serve the people. This focus on continuity suggests a strategy aimed at maintaining the momentum of existing developmental projects.

Navigating Internal Dissent and Consensus Legitimacy

The adoption of a consensus arrangement has not been without its critics within the party hierarchy. APC chieftain Samuel Ajose is among those who have raised objections, questioning the legitimacy of a process that bypasses a traditional competitive primary. However, GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi dismissed these concerns, asserting that while individuals are free to express opinions in a free society, the consensus model is a long-standing and functional part of the party’s internal system. Olusi maintained that the collective decision-making of the council serves as the most reliable course of action for ensuring party unity and stability.