By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement came on Wednesday during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development on his X handle, noting that Tinubu formally backed Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate after consultations with Lagos APC leaders.
Following the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat—his deputy—as a “reliable partner,” saying the endorsement reflects confidence in his capacity to lead Lagos State.
The Lagos governor said the decision reinforces continuity in the state’s development agenda, adding that “the path ahead for Lagos is clear.”
The presidential endorsement follows earlier support from the GAC, the apex decision-making body of the Lagos APC, which unanimously adopted Hamzat as its consensus candidate after a meeting at Lagos House, Marina.
GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi said the decision was reached after consultations among all 21 members, stressing that while the party allows for primaries, consensus was chosen to promote unity and stability within the party.
Sanwo-Olu had earlier also endorsed Hamzat, praising his experience and readiness to govern the state.
Hamzat, 61, has served as deputy governor since 2019 and was re-elected in 2023 alongside Sanwo-Olu. He previously held commissioner roles under Tinubu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola between 2007 and 2015.
