Purchases his N50 m nomination forms
The apex decision-making body of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), has endorsed the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The development effectively clears the path for Hamzat to clinch the party’s ticket, coming on the heels of earlier endorsement by key strata of the Lagos APC, including the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the State Executive Council under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as influential party blocs, such as the Mandate Group and Justice Forum, and senatorial leaders across the three districts.
In a further show of support, the 34-member GAC resolved to purchase the N50 million governorship nomination forms for Hamzat.
The Council, however, clarified that despite adopting a consensus candidate, the party would still conduct primaries for all elective positions in line with its constitution and guidelines.
The endorsement followed a consultation visit by Hamzat and GAC members to Sanwo-Olu and the State Executive Council at the State House, Marina, shortly after the Council’s meeting.
Sanwo-Olu, during the meeting, reaffirmed his support for his deputy, describing him as competent and well-suited to succeed him.
He recalled their longstanding relationship, which predated their joint ticket in 2019, noting that they had worked closely during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
According to the governor, Hamzat possesses the experience, intellect and temperament required for leadership, adding that his contributions at both state and national levels have earned him widespread respect.
The governor also attributed Lagos’ political stability to what he described as a structured and rancour-free succession tradition within the APC, stressing the need to sustain the state’s developmental trajectory.
He said the party would not “hand over Lagos to charlatans,” insisting that Hamzat remains the most qualified to continue the state’s governance agenda.
Besides, Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the state chapter of the APC had similarly purchased the N100 million presidential nomination forms for President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming support for his administration’s renewed hope agenda.
Responding, Hamzat expressed appreciation to the governor and party leadership for their confidence in him.
Hamzat, who dismissed the notion of deputy governors as “spare tyres,” said that he had functioned as a full partner in governance over the past seven years.
He therefore pledged to sustain the developmental strides recorded in the state, emphasising the state’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Hamzat also underscored the need to preserve the APC’s tradition of seamless leadership transition, assuring party leaders and supporters of his commitment to protecting the state’s progress.
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