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Strong indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress has narrowed its focus to Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election following a crucial closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Punch Newspaper, the high-level meeting, held in Lagos shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, brought together key APC power brokers from across the South-West, with deliberations largely centred on succession planning in Lagos State.
Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that Hamzatβs name gained overwhelming support among stakeholders after extensive consultations, with many citing his loyalty, administrative experience, and longstanding role within the Lagos political structure as major factors behind the decision.
The meeting, described as strategic and far-reaching, had in attendance top figures including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.
According to insiders, the consensus move is part of a broader effort by the party leadership to avoid a divisive primary process and maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC has historically leaned towards consensus arrangements, especially in Lagos, where internal cohesion is seen as critical to electoral success.
Despite the apparent agreement, the path to full consensus is still being carefully managed. Several high-profile aspirants are believed to be eyeing the Lagos governorship ticket, including Gbajabiamila, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, and others within the partyβs powerful structure.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is also said to be quietly lobbying for consideration, although he has not made any formal move to exit his current role.
Party insiders disclosed that while dissenting opinions were acknowledged during the meeting, stakeholders agreed on the need to provide a βsoft landingβ for other aspirants who may step down in the interest of party unity.
President Tinubu, who is widely regarded as the central figure in Lagos politics, is said to be personally invested in ensuring a smooth transition and a winning strategy for the APC in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled party primaries for early 2026, leaving the APC with limited time to consolidate its position and formalise its candidate.
Although consultations are still ongoing, the endorsement of Hamzat at the highest level signals a major shift in the Lagos governorship race, placing him firmly at the centre of the partyβs 2027 succession plan.
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(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 24TH 2026)
