President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State ahead of the next election cycle, following a strategic meeting with key party leaders in the state.
The high-level meeting, which took place in Lagos, brought together influential stakeholders of the APC, including party elders, political office holders, and grassroots mobilizers. Discussions reportedly centered on party unity, zoning arrangements, and the need to consolidate existing political structures in the state.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of continuity in governance and stability within the party’s leadership framework in Lagos, describing it as critical to sustaining ongoing development initiatives.
Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who currently serves as Deputy Governor of Lagos State, is said to have received strong backing from several factions within the party, particularly those aligned with the state’s established political structure.
Party insiders revealed that the endorsement process was aimed at reducing internal competition and preventing a divisive primary election, which could weaken the APC’s chances in the general election.
Some stakeholders at the meeting reportedly expressed concerns about maintaining inclusivity and ensuring that aspirants who may have ambitions for the governorship are carried along in the consensus-building process.
Despite these concerns, the leadership of the party is believed to be prioritizing unity and electoral strength, especially in Lagos, which remains a strategic stronghold for the APC nationally.
Observers note that the reported endorsement, if formally confirmed, could significantly reshape the political landscape in Lagos State, influencing both intra-party dynamics and opposition strategies.
Political analysts also suggest that the move reflects a broader strategy by the APC leadership to maintain experienced governance structures while preparing for emerging political challenges in urban centers.
As of now, neither the presidency nor the Lagos State APC has issued an official public statement confirming the endorsement, but political activities within the party are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.
