By SCM Reporter
Lagos was sent into a political whirlwind today as the city’s powerful “kingmakers” finally broke their silence on the future of Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—the supreme inner sanctum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos—has officially moved to crown Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as their consensus candidate for the upcoming governorship race.
The decision, whispered in the corridors of power for months but confirmed in a bombshell announcement this morning, effectively clears the path for Hamzat to succeed his current boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Power of the GAC
In the complex chess game of Lagosian politics, an endorsement from the GAC isn’t just a “nod”—it’s a coronation. The council, comprised of the state’s most influential elders and political veterans, holds the ultimate sway over who gets the keys to the State House.
By handpicking Hamzat early, the GAC has sent a clear message: continuity is king.
Who is Obafemi Hamzat?
For those watching from London’s financial district or the Nigerian diaspora in Peckham, Hamzat is a familiar, steady hand. Often described as the “Technocrat-in-Chief,” he has been a fixture in Lagos governance for nearly two decades.
Experience: Before becoming Deputy Governor in 2019, he served as a Commissioner for Science and Technology and later for Works and Infrastructure.
The “Perfect” Deputy: Hamzat is widely credited with being the brain behind the state’s massive infrastructure drive and digital transformation.
Political Lineage: He isn’t just a policy wonk; he is the son of the late Oba Olatunji Hamzat, a legendary figure in Lagos grassroots politics.
The endorsement effectively snuffs out the ambitions of several high-profile rivals who were eyeing the seat. By choosing Hamzat, the APC leadership is betting on a seamless transition rather than a disruptive primary battle.
”Hamzat has been the engine room of the current administration,” one APC insider told The Sun. “The GAC knows that in a city as volatile and fast-paced as Lagos, you don’t gamble with inexperience.”
While the “consensus” tag usually means a clear run, Hamzat will still need to formalize his position through the party’s primary process. However, with the GAC’s “blessing” in his pocket, the real race now shifts from who will lead the party to how he plans to tackle the city’s burgeoning population and infrastructure demands.
Lagos has spoken. The Hamzat era has officially begun.
Lagos operates on a unique political structure within Nigeria. Since the return to democracy in 1999, the state has been governed by a succession of leaders mentored by the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The GAC acts as the custodian of this “Lagos Masterplan,” ensuring that each successive governor adheres to a long-term developmental blueprint.
Hamzat’s selection confirms that the party elders believe he is the safest pair of hands to protect that legacy while navigating the economic pressures of 2026.
