GAC backs Obafemi Hamzat as APC Consensus Candidate for Lagos

The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, says Obafemi Hamzat is the consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The development follows the endorsement of Hamzat’s governorship ambition by Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a meeting of party leaders at the governor’s office in Alausa on Monday.

Sanwo-Olu, who described Hamzat as the “best man for the job”, prayed for his deputy, wishing him strength, peace, and divine support in his future endeavours.

At the close of the meeting, Sanwo-Olu embraced his deputy and raised his hand before party leaders in a symbolic gesture that drew applause from those in attendance.

Speaking on Tuesday at Lagos House, Marina, Tajudeen Olusi, chairman of the GAC, said members of the council had unanimously agreed to back Hamzat’s candidacy.

“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,” he said.

In a further show of support, Olusi and Sanwo-Olu jointly raised Hamzat’s hand in a symbolic gesture, drawing applause from other party leaders present at the briefing.

Responding, Sanwo-Olu said party elders had also resolved to purchase Hamzat’s nomination form ahead of the election.

“Additional information is that 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,” the governor said.

“They have all levied themselves, even from their savings as retirees, saying they are the ones who will buy him the form for his nomination.”

The endorsement comes amid recent speculation over possible contenders for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos, with political discussions suggesting Hamzat had emerged as a leading figure.

However, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, a former governorship candidate, had earlier dismissed claims that the party had settled on any preferred aspirant.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor said no formal decision had been taken by the party leadership, adding that he would align with the party’s final decision if a consensus candidate is eventually chosen.