•Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat
The race for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State is gradually gathering momentum as the deputy governor, Kadri Hamzat, ramps up consultations across key power blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hamzat’s recent engagements with influential stakeholders, particularly within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), are seen as strategic moves to consolidate support ahead of the party’s primary election, reports Daily Trust.
This is coming amidst speculation of his endorsement as the consensus flag bearer of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The consultative visits to the GAC was considered a strategic move to secure the backing of party leaders and elders in the state. The GAC is the council of elders of the party and the highest decision making organ of Lagos APC.
Hamzat had visited the Chairman of GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and other GAC members including Senator Anthony Adefuye; former Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, among others.
The deputy governor has been presenting his economic and governance blueprint during these consultations, positioning himself as a continuity candidate who can build on the state’s existing development trajectory.
However, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive with the re-emergence of former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, whose renewed consultations and subtle political signals have heightened the contest.
Ambode’s return to the scene is viewed by analysts as a potential disruptor, capable of reshaping alignments within the party.
Although he has yet to make a formal declaration, his growing visibility and outreach efforts suggest a possible bid with his supporters saying it is just fair to allow Ambode to complete his tenure.
However, ahead of the election, there have been renewed agitations for Ambode to complete his tenure.
A party leader who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity said, “The reported endorsement of Hamzat as the preferred consensus candidate is still a rumour. What Obafemi Hamza is doing is just consultation and if anyone is telling you he has been ordained as the consensus candidate, just take it as a rumour. In fact it was even alleged that Asiwaju picked Ambode while GAC picked Hamzat. It is still all rumour. What is important is that the party has made it clear that the race is still open for contest.”
Speaking with our correspondent, a chieftain of the party and Ambode’s supporter confirmed that Ambode is still in the race 100%.
“He really deserves it. You denied him a second term and he went low. He didn’t fight the party, he didn’t decamp. He never spoke ill of the party and he even cautioned his supporters not to fight or insult anybody. I can assure you he is in the race 100%,” he said.
