Hamzat Opens 2027 Lagos Race Talks as GAC Consultations Trigger Succession Speculation

Political activity is quietly gathering pace in Lagos as Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat begins early consultations with the state’s powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a move widely interpreted as part of positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Hamzat confirmed via his X account that he met members of the council on Monday, describing the engagement as an opportunity for constructive dialogue on the future leadership direction of Lagos State.

He said the discussions focused on governance priorities and long-term development, stressing the importance of listening and collaboration in shaping the state’s future.

The GAC remains one of the most influential political structures within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), playing a key behind-the-scenes role in succession planning and candidate selection.

Chaired by veteran politician Tajudeen Olusi, the council includes senior stakeholders such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, giving it significant weight in strategic party decisions.

Hamzat’s engagement is being viewed as part of a well-established political tradition in Lagos, where potential contenders begin consultations with key power blocs years before formal elections.

The APC’s internal structure in the state is known for its tightly coordinated decision-making process, often shaped through consensus-building long before party primaries are held.

In his post, Hamzat described the meeting as a platform for reflection and shared responsibility in building a stronger Lagos, noting the value of experience and guidance from senior political figures.

However, the meeting has already sparked widespread speculation across political circles and social media, with some interpreting it as an early signal of endorsement for the deputy governor’s ambition.

Unverified reports circulating online also claimed that a consensus may be forming within the council, though these claims have not been confirmed by any official source.

For now, the consultations are being seen as part of the early political groundwork typical of Lagos succession politics, where alignment with key power brokers often determines the trajectory of governorship ambitions.