Olusi denies endorsing Hamzat for 2027, clarifies ‘Incoming Governor’ comment

Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, has dismissed claims that he endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the state’s next governor, insisting that the controversial “incoming governor” remark did not originate from him.

Olusi made the clarification following reactions that trailed comments made during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos, an event organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre.

In an interview with Daily Independent on Friday, the GAC chairman explained that the phrase “incoming governor” was first used by a traditional ruler from Badagry who addressed participants in both Egun and English.

According to him, the monarch’s remarks were later echoed in the course of the programme, which he said led to widespread misinterpretation.

Olusi expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of taking statements out of context, particularly by sections of the media and political commentators. He urged the public to review the full recording of the event to understand the sequence of remarks and the context in which they were made.

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“People should go back and watch the recording of that programme,” he said, stressing that he merely followed the tone that had already been set at the gathering.

Further clarifying his position, Olusi stated that the term “incoming” should not be interpreted as a formal endorsement or declaration regarding the 2027 governorship race. Rather, he described it as a loose expression referring to aspiration.

“To me, incoming simply means someone who is on the way, someone striving to achieve a goal. It does not amount to a final decision or endorsement,” he explained.

The initial comment had sparked political discussions across Lagos State, with some observers suggesting it signalled elite backing for Hamzat to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Olusi firmly rejected such interpretations, maintaining that the narrative being circulated in some quarters does not reflect what transpired at the event.

He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions from isolated remarks, warning that such speculation could generate unnecessary political tension in the state.