- APC leaders had endorsed Obafemi Hamzat early, signalling him as preferred successor to Governor Sanwo-Olu
- Concerns had emerged within the party over internal democracy and the push for a consensus candidate
- Political stakeholders had debated succession balance, while some aspirants insisted the race remained open
Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is showing early signs of internal strain following a wave of coordinated endorsements backing Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
What initially appeared to be routine political alignment has quickly evolved into a broader debate around internal democracy, candidate imposition, and the future balance of power within the Lagos APC. While party leaders have largely rallied behind Hamzat, some stakeholders are expressing quiet but growing concerns about the process.
The succession conversation gained momentum on 27 April 2026, when Sanwo-Olu convened a closed-door meeting with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other influential figures at Lagos House, Marina. According to sources, Hamzat used the meeting to formally declare his intention to contest the governorship election, a move swiftly followed by the governor’s endorsement.
Within 24 hours, the GAC—widely regarded as the apex decision-making body of the Lagos APC—also threw its weight behind Hamzat, reinforcing perceptions that the party leadership had already settled on him as the leading candidate.
The momentum intensified further on 29 April when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly endorsed Hamzat during a meeting with GAC members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Insiders suggest the president’s backing effectively cemented Hamzat’s position within the party hierarchy.
Additional support came from the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, signalling alignment among key power blocs despite earlier speculation about his own ambitions.
However, not all party members are comfortable with the rapid succession of endorsements. Critics argue that the process appears overly centralised, raising concerns about fairness and inclusivity. Some warn that presenting a preferred candidate so early risks discouraging other aspirants and undermining internal competition.
The debate has also revived longstanding tensions over whether the party should adopt a consensus candidate or conduct direct primaries. Although politician Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran had earlier rejected the idea of consensus and called for open primaries, he has since withdrawn from the race, adding another layer of uncertainty to the unfolding scenario.
Meanwhile, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose has entered the contest, suggesting the race remains open despite the strong backing for Hamzat.
Beyond procedural concerns, questions of regional balance have also surfaced. Some stakeholders argue that after eight years as deputy governor, Hamzat’s succession could limit opportunities for broader representation across Lagos’ five IBILE divisions. Others counter that his experience and continuity in governance make him a strong candidate.
The discussion has also revived interest in former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who previously served only one term. However, key party figures are understood to have reservations about his return, ultimately favouring Hamzat.
Political analysts describe the situation as early-stage positioning rather than a full-blown crisis, noting that Lagos politics has historically been shaped by elite consensus. Nonetheless, they caution that unresolved internal disagreements—however subtle—could impact party cohesion and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.