Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Hamzat made the disclosure on Wednesday after a meeting between the President and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists, he explained that the delegation, led by GAC chairman Tajudeen Olusi, formally presented him to the President, who gave his approval for the council’s decision to support his candidacy.
“These are fathers, they are leaders, they’ve seen a lot of Christmases, they’ve seen a lot of Eid El Kabir, so they have experience, and therefore I’m really, really excited that they brought me here to meet Mr President, and Mr President has blessed us and blessed the decision of GAC,” Hamzat said.
He described the governorship role as a demanding task but expressed confidence that his experience in office has equipped him for the challenge.
“Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu, I’ve learned a lot. I know the room. I know where the kitchen is.
“You know, if you want to cook for people and you don’t know the kitchen, doesn’t matter how good a chef you are, you must know the kitchen.
“So with God’s blessings and the support of all my fathers here, I really don’t have any fear,” he added.
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The meeting at the Presidential Villa followed a wave of endorsements within days, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly backing Hamzat as his preferred successor, as well as the GAC’s unanimous adoption of him during a meeting at Lagos House, Marina.
The council, made up of 34 members, also resolved to purchase Hamzat’s N50 million nomination form in support of his ambition.
GAC chairman Tajudeen Olusi said the endorsement reflects a consensus among party leaders, although he noted that the APC would still conduct primary elections in line with its guidelines.
Hamzat, 59, has served as Deputy Governor since 2019 and previously held the position of Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.