Lagos 2027: GAC Unanimously Backs Hamzat as Unified Choice

The Governance Advisory Council, GAC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos has given its endorsement to Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor, as the consensus candidate for the governorship primaries in the 2027 poll, a move that underscores the council's significant influence as the highest decision-making organ of the APC in Lagos.

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier expressed his backing for Dr Obafemi Hamzat's bid to succeed him, a gesture that was reiterated on Tuesday when Governor Sanwo-Olu and Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the leader of GAC, announced the adoption after a closed-door strategic meeting at Lagos House, Marina.

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The announcement by Governor Sanwo-Olu and Prince Olusi also included the decision by the 34-member GAC to purchase the governorship nomination form, priced at N50 million, for Hamzat, demonstrating the council's full support for his candidacy.

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Despite the consensus, the GAC has clarified that the party will still conduct primaries for all positions, in line with its guidelines, to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, a move that highlights the party's commitment to fairness and transparency.

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A total of 23 out of the 34 GAC members were present at the meeting, including notable figures such as Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Ganiyu Olawale Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and Cardinal James Odunmbaku.

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Earlier, on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet members had received Dr Hamzat and GAC members in a consultation visit, during which they openly expressed their support for the deputy governor's aspiration to run for governor.

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The consultation meeting took place immediately after the State's Executive Council meeting at the State House in Marina, where cabinet members and APC leaders in Lagos Central joined the Governor to receive Dr Hamzat's entourage.

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During the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Hamzat, shared a heartfelt moment, reflecting on their seven-year political journey and the early days of their public service experience under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu.

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Recalling their time in ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola's cabinet, Governor Sanwo-Olu remembered that he and Dr Hamzat would often sit next to each other, and noted that no cabinet memo would be approved without their input, along with two other colleagues who sat in their row.