Lagos 2027: Hamzat confident as Tinubu backs guber bid
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS, Nigeria — Just a day after receiving the endorsement from the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat announced that President Bola Tinubu has supported his aspirations for the 2027 Lagos governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hamzat made the disclosure on Monday following a meeting with President Tinubu, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting included GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In a statement to reporters after the closed-door discussion, Hamzat explained that the delegation presented his candidacy to President Tinubu, who subsequently granted his blessing for the GAC’s decision to endorse him.
“These are fathers and leaders with extensive experience,” Hamzat stated. “I am truly excited that they brought me here to meet Mr. President, and he has supported our decision.”
Describing his governorship ambition as “audacious,” Hamzat expressed confidence in his readiness for the challenge, drawing on his experience as Deputy Governor.
“While no one is ever fully prepared for such a task, I have gained valuable insights during my time in office,” he said. “I have learned where crucial decisions are made and who is involved. Understanding the environment is vital.”
Hamzat also likened leadership to cooking, saying, “If you want to cook for people and you don’t know the kitchen, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are; familiarity with the space is essential.”
The GAC’s decision follows several endorsements from party leaders, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, who publicly declared his support for Hamzat at Lagos House in Marina on the same day. Following this, the GAC unanimously adopted Hamzat’s candidacy during their meeting. The council also procured the governorship nomination and expression of interest forms for Hamzat, amounting to N50 million, as a demonstration of their support.
After the meeting in Abuja, GAC Chairman Olusi stated that the council’s decision reflected a collective consensus among its members and dismissed any objections raised by other aspirants. He emphasized the party’s commitment to conducting primaries for all candidates in accordance with APC guidelines to ensure fairness and democracy within the party.
Hamzat, 59, previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and as Commissioner for Science and Technology under Akinwunmi Ambode. He has been the Deputy Governor under Sanwo-Olu since 2019.
