Lagos 2027: Hamzat begins talks with GAC as governorship succession politics heats up

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has begun preliminary political consultations with the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a move widely seen as early groundwork ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Hamzat disclosed via his official X account that he met with members of the council on Monday, describing the engagement as a constructive dialogue focused on the future development trajectory of Lagos and the leadership required to sustain it.

“I had thoughtful conversations about the future of Lagos and the kind of leadership it requires. I value the experience and guidance shared. This is about listening, learning and working with others to build a stronger Lagos,” he wrote.

The meeting has intensified political conversations around succession planning in Lagos, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is known for its structured internal consultation process that often shapes governorship succession long before formal primaries are conducted.

At the centre of this process is the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a powerful decision-shaping body within the Lagos APC led by Chief Tajudeen Olusi.

The council includes senior party leaders, political stakeholders, and influential figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

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The GAC is widely regarded as instrumental in shaping key political decisions in the state, including zoning arrangements, succession plans, and endorsements for major offices.

Hamzat’s engagement with the council is being interpreted by political observers as part of the traditional early consultations that characterise Lagos politics, where aspirants often begin lobbying stakeholders years ahead of elections to build consensus and political support.

Meanwhile, reactions on social media have intensified speculation about the implications of the meeting, with some commentators suggesting that it may signal emerging consensus within the party structure ahead of 2027.

A Lagos-based political commentary platform also claimed that the meeting included emotional moments and that a GAC member from Lagos East, Otunba Alebiosu, popularly known as “Bush,” was visibly moved following what it described as indications of support for Hamzat’s potential governorship bid.

However, these claims remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued by the GAC or the APC regarding any endorsement or succession decision.

As the 2027 political cycle gradually approaches, attention is expected to continue shifting toward internal consultations within the APC, which has historically played a decisive role in determining the state’s next governor through consensus-building among key stakeholders.