Early endorsement signals strategic alignment within APC ahead of primaries

By ifeoma Onyekachi

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, pointing to an early consolidation of interests within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement followed a closed-door meeting held Monday at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally informed key stakeholders of his intention to contest. The session brought together members of the State Executive Council, party leaders and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Notable attendees included former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and ex-senator Ganiyu Solomon.

Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as a consensus among party stakeholders, emphasising Hamzat’s preparedness and deep understanding of governance in the state. He pointed to their longstanding working relationship and the deputy governor’s track record in public service as key factors behind the endorsement.

According to the governor, Hamzat has demonstrated loyalty, competence and administrative depth, qualities he said position him as a natural successor capable of sustaining Lagos’ development trajectory.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the enduring political influence of President Bola Tinubu in shaping leadership direction in the state, noting that the current alignment reflects a broader continuity within Lagos politics.

The governor characterised the meeting as a consultative gathering marked by broad agreement, describing the outcome as a unified position among party leaders and government officials.

The move comes well ahead of the APC primaries, signalling an attempt to stabilise succession dynamics early in Nigeria’s commercial hub. While Hamzat who previously served as commissioner for works and infrastructure has yet to formally launch his campaign, his emergence as the governor’s preferred candidate is expected to influence internal party calculations.

Political observers say the development could trigger fresh negotiations within the APC, where control of Lagos remains a critical strategic prize.