President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State for the 2027 election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday following a meeting with members of the Lagos APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The delegation was led by GAC chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, alongside Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“President Tinubu formally endorses the Lagos APC consensus governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat at a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated while sharing details of the meeting.
Following the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat, his deputy, as a dependable partner, noting that the President’s endorsement reflects strong confidence in his leadership capacity.
“I have no doubt that the vision for a greater Lagos we started together will have the leadership it needs to continue,” the governor said.
He added that the endorsement signals continuity in governance and reinforces the direction of development in the state.
The President’s backing adds to a growing list of endorsements for Hamzat’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Governance Advisory Council, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, unanimously adopted Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate.
Speaking after a meeting at Lagos House, Marina, Olusi explained that while the party’s constitution provides for primaries, it also allows for consensus arrangements aimed at fostering unity.
“The constitution of our party provides for primaries… however, that very constitution also allows us to look at the issue of consensus,” he said.
“Following this option we have adopted, we have all agreed that Dr. Obafemi Hamzat… is the consensus candidate of our party, and we have all pledged to stand by him.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier thrown his weight behind Hamzat, describing him as capable and prepared for the role.
“He’s been well-baked.
He’s been well-manicured. He’s been well ‘pepperonied’ for this job,” the governor remarked.
Hamzat has served as Deputy Governor of Lagos State since 2019 and was re-elected alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2023 for a second term.
Prior to his current role, he held commissioner positions during Tinubu’s administration as governor between 1999 and 2007, and later under former governor Babatunde Fashola.
