President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday after a meeting between the President and members of the Lagos APC’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation was led by GAC chairman Tajudeen Olusi and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a post on X, noting that Tinubu “formally endorsed” Hamzat during the meeting.
Reacting, Sanwo-Olu described his deputy as a “reliable partner,” saying the President’s backing reflects “trust, confidence and assurance” in Hamzat’s ability to lead Lagos.
“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, adding that the state’s development trajectory remains on course.
The presidential nod follows a similar endorsement by the GAC, the highest decision-making organ of the Lagos APC, which had earlier adopted Hamzat as its consensus candidate.
Speaking after a meeting at Lagos House, Marina, Olusi said all 21 members of the council agreed to support the deputy governor’s ambition, citing the need for unity within the party.
While noting that the APC constitution provides for primaries, Olusi said the consensus option was adopted to foster cohesion.
“Consensus is a platform that can bring us together and ensure peace and unity within the party,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu had also previously thrown his weight behind Hamzat, describing him as “fit and ready” to lead the state.
Hamzat, 61, has served as deputy governor since 2019 and was re-elected alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2023. He previously held commissioner roles during the administrations of Tinubu and former governor Babatunde Fashola.
