Lagos Race Takes Shape as Tinubu Endorses Hamzat

The 2027 Lagos governorship race gained momentum on Wednesday after President Bola Tinubu reportedly endorsed Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Party insiders said the endorsement followed consultations among senior party leaders and members of the Governance Advisory Council, the apex decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State.

Hamzat’s emergence as consensus favourite is expected to reshape early permutations within the ruling party and narrow the contest ahead of formal primaries.

The deputy governor has served alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and is widely viewed as one of the most experienced technocrats in Lagos politics, having previously held commissioner portfolios.

Sources within the party said Tinubu’s backing reflects confidence in Hamzat’s loyalty, administrative experience and ability to sustain ongoing development programmes in the state.

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Although no official statement was immediately issued by the Presidency, several APC stakeholders openly welcomed the development and described Hamzat as a bridge-builder with broad acceptability.

The endorsement is significant because Tinubu remains the most influential political figure in Lagos and his preferences often shape the direction of succession politics in the state.

Potential aspirants are expected to study the new political reality before declaring their ambitions publicly.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, said they would not be distracted by internal APC arrangements and promised to field strong candidates capable of challenging the ruling party’s dominance.

Political analysts believe issues likely to define the 2027 Lagos contest include infrastructure, transportation, housing affordability, security and youth employment.

Hamzat has maintained a relatively low political profile compared with some rivals but enjoys respect within party structures and policy circles.

If eventually nominated, he would campaign on continuity while also needing to project a distinct identity beyond the current administration.

Residents contacted in parts of Lagos expressed mixed reactions, with some praising his experience and others calling for a more competitive selection process.

Formal party primaries are still some distance away, but Wednesday’s development has clearly accelerated succession politics in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

With Tinubu’s reported endorsement, Hamzat now appears the early frontrunner in what promises to be one of the most closely watched governorship races of the 2027 election cycle.