Lagos 2027: Sources Indicate No Consensus on Governorship Candidate

Some reliable sources have disputed media reports suggesting that the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emerged as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s general elections.

There had been media reports of Hamzat’s emergence as the governorship candidate following a crucial closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended by major power blocs within the Lagos APC.

However, a source privy to the discussions at the meeting dismissed the reports as “fake news,” designed to mislead the leaders and misinform the public.

“This is part of the game. Politicking has started. But what I can assure you is that nothing of the sort happened during the meeting with Asiwaju.

“The issue of consensus candidacy was not discussed, and any media report claiming it did is fake news,” the source said.

Another source revealed that the meeting with President Tinubu by APC key power brokers in the Southwest focused more on unity and governance.

“Mr. President, as our father and leader, is more concerned about unity, stability, and governance. The President wants the people to enjoy the benefits of democracy and security.

“When we get to the bridge, we will cross it, but for now, we want to focus on governance. The preoccupation of Mr. President is to ensure a smooth transition and a winning strategy for the APC in the state, which can only be achieved through good governance,” he said.

Hamzat, one of the potential candidates, is well-versed in the politics and governance of Lagos State, having held key positions in the state before becoming Deputy Governor over the last seven years.

Aside from Hamzat, other leading aspirants for the top job in Lagos State include former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu, Hon. Jimi Benson, among others.

Source: Lagos Monitoring