Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 election.
Hamzat made the revelation on Wednesday after a meeting between the President and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Governor said the GAC delegation, led by its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, formally presented him to the President, who gave his blessing to the council’s decision to back his candidature.
“These are fathers, they are leaders with deep experience,” Hamzat said. “I am truly honoured that they brought me to meet Mr President, and he has blessed us and the decision of the GAC.”
Describing the governorship as a demanding responsibility, Hamzat acknowledged the enormity of the task but expressed confidence that his years in office have prepared him adequately.
“Nobody is ever fully ready because the assignment is audacious, but what you rely on is experience,” he said. “Having served as Deputy Governor under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I have learned a great deal. I understand the system—I know where the levers are.”
He added, “If you want to cook for people, you must know the kitchen. With God’s grace and the support of our leaders, I have no fear.”
The endorsement comes amid a wave of political backing within the Lagos APC. Earlier in the week, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly declared support for Hamzat as his preferred successor.
Similarly, the 34-member GAC unanimously adopted Hamzat at a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, and resolved to purchase his N50 million governorship nomination form.
Speaking after the meeting with the President, Olusi said the council’s position reflected a consensus among party elders, downplaying dissenting views from other aspirants.
“This decision is a collective one by members of the council,” he said, adding, however, that the party would still conduct primaries in accordance with its guidelines to uphold internal democracy.
Despite the growing endorsements, Olusi emphasised that the eventual emergence of the party’s candidate would follow due process.
Hamzat, 59, has served as Deputy Governor since 2019 and previously held office as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
