Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is already showing early signs of internal tension following coordinated endorsements in support of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
What initially appeared to be routine political alignment has now sparked broader discussions around internal democracy, candidate imposition, and the future power balance within the Lagos APC. Some stakeholders have quietly expressed concerns about the process surrounding Hamzat’s emergence.
METROTIMESNIGERIA gathered that the succession debate intensified on April 27, 2026, after a closed-door meeting between Governor Sanwo-Olu, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and other key stakeholders at Lagos House, Marina.
Sources revealed that Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election during the meeting, receiving immediate endorsement from the governor.
A senior party source noted that while the endorsement was expected, its timing sent a strong message across the party structure, positioning Hamzat as the likely successor and quickly reshaping internal discussions.
Within 24 hours, the GAC—regarded as the apex decision-making body of the Lagos APC—also backed Hamzat, reinforcing his standing within the party. Earlier remarks by the council’s chairman referring to him as “incoming” had already fueled speculation that the decision had been settled.
The situation further evolved when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly endorsed Hamzat during a meeting with GAC members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, effectively strengthening his position within the party hierarchy.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also threw his support behind Hamzat, signaling alignment among major political blocs.
Despite this growing consensus, some APC members have raised concerns about the process, warning that early and coordinated endorsements could undermine internal democracy and create dissatisfaction among aspirants.
One party member emphasized that the issue is not Hamzat’s competence, but the perception that the outcome has already been decided, potentially discouraging fair competition.
The debate between consensus candidacy and direct primaries has now become a key issue within the party. Former aspirant Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor) had earlier rejected the idea of consensus, insisting on direct primaries to ensure fairness, although he has since withdrawn from the race.
Meanwhile, another aspirant, Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, has obtained nomination forms, indicating that the contest remains open despite the endorsements.
Beyond procedural concerns, some stakeholders have raised issues of inclusiveness and political balance, particularly regarding the transition from deputy governor to governor after two terms.
Others, however, argue that Hamzat’s experience and continuity in governance make him a strong candidate, stressing that Lagos requires stability rather than experimentation.
Political analysts note that such developments are not unusual in Lagos politics, where leadership decisions are often influenced by elite consensus rather than open contests. However, the early and public nature of these endorsements has heightened reactions across the party.
While party leaders continue to downplay tensions, there are concerns that internal disagreements—if not properly managed—could affect party unity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Before Hamzat’s emergence, there were calls for the return of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode to complete a second term, especially from stakeholders in the Epe Division who feel underrepresented.
However, resistance within the GAC reportedly influenced the decision to rally behind Hamzat. Ambode has since congratulated him on his emergence as the APC’s consensus candidate.
