Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already experiencing early internal tension following a wave of endorsements supporting Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
What initially appeared to be routine party alignment has now developed into wider debate over internal democracy, candidate selection, and power balance within the Lagos APC, with some stakeholders expressing quiet concerns about how Hamzat’s emergence is unfolding.
The succession discussion gained momentum after Governor Sanwo-Olu held a closed-door meeting with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other party leaders at Lagos House, Marina, on Monday, April 27, 2026.
During the meeting, Hamzat reportedly declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, after which he received immediate backing from the governor.
Party insiders said the endorsement, though not unexpected, significantly shifted political calculations within the party structure, signaling strong support for continuity in leadership.
Within 24 hours, the GAC—widely regarded as the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC—also endorsed Hamzat, further strengthening his position.
Reports suggest that earlier remarks within the council, including references to Hamzat as “incoming,” had already fueled speculation that his candidacy was being quietly settled ahead of formal processes.
The momentum continued on Wednesday, April 29, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with GAC members in Abuja and reportedly endorsed Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate following discussions on Lagos succession plans.
Sources described the President’s backing as a decisive moment, effectively consolidating support for Hamzat within the party hierarchy.
The endorsement chain was further reinforced when Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, also declared support for Hamzat after internal consultations within party leadership.
However, despite the growing alignment among top leaders, some APC members have raised concerns about the pace and coordination of the endorsements, warning that it could weaken internal democracy.
Critics argue that the process appears overly centralized, potentially limiting opportunities for a competitive primary election.
One party member noted that while Hamzat’s experience is not in question, the perception of a predetermined outcome could create dissatisfaction among other aspirants.
The debate has now shifted toward whether the party should adopt a consensus arrangement or proceed with direct primaries.
One of the aspirants, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), has insisted that only direct primaries can guarantee fairness, transparency, and unity within the party, although he has since withdrawn from the race.
Another aspirant, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, has obtained nomination forms, indicating that the race remains active despite the endorsements.
Beyond procedural concerns, some stakeholders are also debating zoning and inclusion, arguing that leadership rotation within Lagos should reflect broader participation across districts.
Others, however, insist that continuity and governance experience should remain the priority, especially given Hamzat’s long involvement in state administration.
Analysts say the developments reflect Lagos politics’ familiar pattern of elite-driven consensus building, where major decisions are often shaped by top-level alignment before wider consultation.
While some observers warn of possible quiet discontent within the party, others believe the situation is still part of early political positioning ahead of 2027.
Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s name has also resurfaced in earlier discussions about succession and zoning balance, particularly concerning representation from Epe Division, though momentum ultimately shifted away from his return bid.
Ambode has since congratulated Hamzat following his emergence as the APC consensus candidate.
