Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has publicly endorsed his deputy, Olufemi Kadri Hamzat, as the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship race
The endorsement was made on Monday at Lagos House in Marina during a high-level meeting attended by members of the State Executive Council, APC leaders, and chairmen of the 57 Local Governments Areas (LGA’s) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA)in the state.
Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as well-equipped for the role, citing his experience, administrative competence, and deep understanding of governance in Lagos.
He said consultations within the party had produced a consensus in support of the deputy governor’s candidacy.
“At the end of the day, with the consultation that we’re doing, it was unanimous that the deputy governor is fit and ready for the job,” the governor said, adding that Hamzat has been adequately prepared for leadership.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, has intensified consultations with key political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 race.
As part of these efforts, he recently met with Femi Gbajabiamila, seeking broader party support.
The meeting was attended by prominent APC figures, including Musiliu Obanikoro and other members of the party’s leadership structure, who expressed confidence in Hamzat’s political experience and capacity to lead the state.
Speaking after the consultations, Hamzat emphasised the need for continuity in governance and party unity.
He noted that sustaining ongoing reforms and development efforts in Lagos remains a priority, while also aligning with national policies under President Bola Tinubu.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining stability within the APC, describing the party as structured and disciplined, with a responsibility to deliver effective leadership at both state and federal levels.
While Hamzat has yet to formally declare his candidacy, his growing consultations and the governor’s endorsement signal early momentum within the ruling party ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched election in Nigeria’s commercial capital.