Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The endorsement took place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
GAC, the state’s highest advisory body, presented Hamzat to the President as their unanimous choice.
Hamzat himself disclosed the president’s endorsement to journalists shortly after the meeting, explaining that the delegation, led by GAC Chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, had visited the President to formally present him as the council’s preferred candidate.
According to him, Tinubu gave his full blessing to both his candidacy and the decision of the council.
Describing the moment as significant, Hamzat praised the experience and leadership of the party elders, noting that their endorsement carried considerable weight.
He said he was excited to receive the President’s backing, adding that the support of the GAC and party leadership strengthened his resolve ahead of the race.
On his preparedness for the governorship contest, Hamzat acknowledged the scale of the responsibility but expressed confidence in his experience in public office.
He pointed to his tenure as deputy governor under Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a period that equipped him with deep knowledge of governance in Lagos, stating that familiarity with the system was key to effective leadership.
He added that while the task ahead is demanding, he remains undeterred, expressing faith in both divine support and the backing of party leaders.
According to him, his exposure to the inner workings of government positions him well to take on the challenge.
During the meeting, Hamzat presented his nomination form to Tinubu, which GAC members had previously covered the ₦100 million cost for.
The move followed an earlier endorsement by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who on Monday described Hamzat as the “best man for the job” and a “well-baked” successor.
Despite the high-level endorsements, APC leaders clarified that official governorship primaries are still scheduled to hold on May 21, 2026, to comply with party guidelines.
Several key APC figures and stakeholders have publicly aligned with Hamzat’s bid, including Femi Gbajabiamila (The President’s Chief of Staff), Mudashiru Obasa (Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly), James Faleke (House of Representatives member who collected the nomination forms on behalf of both Tinubu and Hamzat), and Tokunbo Abiru (Senator representing Lagos East).
