The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has officially endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This significant development follows a unanimous agreement among party leaders and a public endorsement from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, firmly positioning Hamzat as the frontrunner for the party's ticket.

Governor Sanwo-Olu publicly declared his support for Hamzat during a high-level meeting of party leaders held at his office in Alausa. Describing Hamzat as the "best man for the job" and a loyal partner, Sanwo-Olu offered prayers for his deputy, wishing him strength, peace, and divine guidance in his future political journey. The governor further underscored his endorsement with a symbolic gesture, embracing Hamzat and raising his hand before party leaders, which was met with applause. Sanwo-Olu articulated that Hamzat is "fit and well-prepared for this job" and "a man that has been built for this job," emphasizing his readiness to lead the state.

Reaffirming the party's position, GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi, speaking on Tuesday at Lagos House, Marina, confirmed the council's unanimous decision. "We have adopted, and we have all agreed, that Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the current deputy governor of our state, is the consensus candidate of our party. And we have all pledged to stand by him. That is the information," Olusi stated. In a further display of unity, Olusi and Governor Sanwo-Olu jointly raised Hamzat’s hand before party leaders, drawing another round of applause. Demonstrating robust financial backing, Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that party elders had resolved to collectively purchase Hamzat’s nomination form. "All of my leaders and fathers here have tasked themselves that they are going to fund the nomination form for the deputy governor, who is our consensus candidate," Sanwo-Olu explained, noting they had "levied themselves, even from their savings as retirees," to support his candidacy.

The formal declaration of Hamzat's intention to contest had occurred during a closed-door meeting with members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and GAC members. This rapid consolidation of support around the deputy governor reflects not only his perceived capabilities but also, as Governor Sanwo-Olu indicated, a link to the enduring political structure associated with President Bola Tinubu. This suggests that Hamzat's endorsement is part of a broader continuity project within the Lagos APC.

This development follows a period of growing political discussions within Lagos APC circles over potential contenders for the 2027 governorship race, with Hamzat increasingly viewed as a frontrunner. However, not all party stakeholders had initially confirmed a concluded decision. Former governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, had earlier dismissed reports suggesting that the party had settled on any preferred aspirant. Through his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor maintained that no formal resolution had been reached, while noting that he would align with whatever decision the party ultimately arrives at if a consensus candidate is formally adopted.

Significantly, these political endorsements came amid the Lagos State Government’s rebuttal of earlier reports claiming Governor Sanwo-Olu had been pressured to resign on health grounds, to allow Hamzat to assume office. Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, swiftly dismissed these allegations as false and misinformation, stating, "Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State." Akosile urged the public to disregard the report, affirming there was no succession crisis in the state. This denial, followed by the decisive endorsements from both Governor Sanwo-Olu and the GAC, has effectively reinforced a picture of political stability while unequivocally strengthening Obafemi Hamzat’s standing as the leading contender in the race to succeed his principal.

With strong and unified support appearing to coalesce around him several months before party primaries, Obafemi Hamzat's candidacy is now firmly established, significantly shaping succession calculations within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 governorship election, marking him as the party's chosen successor.