- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has adopted Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship elections.
Hamzat’s emergence as the GAC’s consensus candidate is coming after an extensive meeting of the council attended by more than 20 prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting held on Tuesday, the GAC leader, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, announced the council’s resolution.
He said that after careful deliberations, the GAC members unanimously agreed to adopt Hamzat as its consensus candidate.
“We have all agreed that Dr Olufemi Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor, is our consensus candidate, and we have all pledged to stand by him,” he said.
Olusi described the meeting as “very exhaustive and engaging,” noting that it lasted nearly two hours.
According to him, discussions centred on preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the governorship race in Lagos State.
He explained that while the party’s constitution guaranteed free and fair primaries for all aspirants, it also provided room for consensus arrangements.
“Our constitution allows for primaries and guarantees equal opportunity for all aspirants.
“However, it also recognises consensus as a means of fostering unity and peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the GAC leaders disclosed that the council members also agreed to task themselves to raise fund to purchase the nomination form for Hamzat.
“All our leaders here have levied themselves to fund the nomination form for Mr Deputy.
” They have committed to purchasing the form for him, even from their personal savings as retirees,” he said.
Olusi, however, clarified that the adoption did not replace the formal primary election stipulated by the party.
“Yes, the primaries will still hold. There is a laid-down procedure, and we will follow it.
This consensus is to guide our position,” he added.
The GAC’s endorsement of Hamzat is coming hours after Sanwo-Olu also publicly endorsed his governorship aspiration.
Present at the announcement of Hamzat’s as Lagos GAC’s consensus candidate include a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, Alhaji Bushura Alebiosu and Sen. Tokunbo Abiru.
Others include Sen. Anthony Adefuye and Cardinal James Odunbaku.