President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to run for governor as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement followed a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, where members of the party’s Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), led by Chairman Tajudeen Olusi, formally presented Hamzat to the president.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Hamzat described the endorsement as a major boost, noting that the backing of party leaders and the president strengthened his confidence ahead of the race.
He acknowledged the scale of the responsibility but said his experience as deputy governor under Babajide Sanwo-Olu had prepared him for the role.
“Nobody is ever fully ready for an assignment like this, but experience matters. I understand how the system works, and I’m confident in what lies ahead,” he said.
GAC, Sanwo-Olu Back Consensus
The endorsement comes amid a series of coordinated moves within the Lagos APC.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier publicly declared Hamzat as his preferred successor, while the 34-member GAC followed up with a unanimous endorsement after a meeting in Lagos.
The endorsement came a day after a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, paid for and picked up Hamzat's ₦50 million governorship nomination form.
Olusi dismissed concerns raised by other aspirants over the consensus arrangement, insisting that such political decisions are part of party dynamics.
“In a democracy, people are free to express opinions. But as leaders, we come together, deliberate, and make decisions in the best interest of the party,” he said.
Despite the endorsement, the APC leadership maintained that governorship primaries will still be conducted in line with party guidelines.
The primary election is scheduled for May 21, after the submission of nomination forms closes on May 4.
The development positions Hamzat as the clear frontrunner in the race, though other aspirants are expected to test their strength at the primary.
