Obafemi Hamzat’s recent consultation with leaders of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has intensified discussions around the 2027 Lagos governorship race, with observers interpreting the move as part of early political positioning.
Hamzat’s engagement is widely seen as consistent with Lagos’ succession politics, where aspirants begin structured consultations with key stakeholders years before the formal election cycle begins.
The GAC is regarded as the most influential decision-shaping body within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Currently led by Tajudeen Olusi, the council comprises about 30 veteran politicians and major stakeholders, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oluremi Tinubu. It exerts significant de facto influence over the state’s political structure and leadership direction.
Functioning as a senior caucus of party elders and long-standing figures, the council plays a central role in succession planning, zoning arrangements, and strategic endorsements within Lagos politics.
Online commentary has increasingly framed Deputy Governor Hamzat’s meeting with the council as a possible endorsement, although such claims remain unverified. Some narratives suggest that internal consensus may already be taking shape within the party.
One Lagos-based commentary account described emotional scenes at the meeting, alleging that Lagos East senatorial leader and GAC member, Otunba Alebiosu, popularly known as Bush, was moved to tears of joy following Hamzat’s reported backing as the APC’s governorship flagbearer for the 2027 election.
Members of the Justice Forum, a political group in Lagos, had earlier endorsed Hamzat for the position, further fueling speculation about his potential emergence as a consensus candidate.