Election 2027: Sanwo-Olu Backs Hamzat for Lagos Governorship Race
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, a move that is already reshaping political alignments within the state’s ruling structure.
The endorsement, which signals early succession planning within the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seen by political observers as an attempt to consolidate continuity in governance and avoid internal party fractures that often trail pre-election primaries.
Sanwo-Olu, who is serving his second term as governor of Lagos State, reportedly expressed confidence in Hamzat’s administrative competence, loyalty, and long-standing experience in public service. Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and a seasoned technocrat, has been instrumental in the implementation of several of the administration’s flagship infrastructure and policy initiatives.
Sources within the APC suggest that the governor’s public backing may give Hamzat a strategic advantage as consultations intensify among party stakeholders, including members of the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which plays a critical role in determining candidates for major elective positions in Lagos politics.
The development comes amid increasing political activity nationwide as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. In Lagos, widely regarded as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, the governorship race is expected to attract significant interest both within and outside the ruling party.
While the endorsement does not automatically guarantee the party’s ticket, analysts note that such backing from an incumbent governor in Lagos carries considerable weight, particularly within the APC’s established political structure.
However, there are indications that other aspirants within the party may still test the waters, potentially setting the stage for a competitive primary process. Opposition parties are also expected to strategise in a bid to challenge the APC’s longstanding dominance in the state.
As the political landscape evolves, stakeholders say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement translates into a consensus candidacy or sparks internal contestation within the ruling party.
