Tinubu anoints Hamzat, seals lagos APC governorship ticket

 

 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday formally endorsed Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that effectively settles weeks of internal consultations and positions the party for the next electoral cycle.

The endorsement, announced after a high-level meeting with party leaders and stakeholders in Lagos, signals the presidency’s decisive backing of Hamzat, who currently serves as the state’s deputy governor. Party insiders said the decision followed extensive deliberations aimed at preserving unity within the APC and ensuring continuity in governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Tinubu, widely regarded as the political leader of the APC in Lagos, described Hamzat as a tested technocrat and loyal party man with a deep understanding of the state’s development agenda. According to sources present at the meeting, the president emphasized the need for stability, competence, and alignment with ongoing policies as key considerations in arriving at the consensus choice.

“Leadership is about continuity and trust,” Tinubu was quoted as saying. “We must build on what we have achieved and ensure Lagos remains on the path of growth and innovation.”

Hamzat’s emergence as the consensus candidate comes amid earlier speculation of a crowded race, with several aspirants reportedly jostling for the party’s ticket. However, party elders and key stakeholders moved to adopt a consensus approach to avoid a divisive primary contest, a strategy that has been used in the past to maintain cohesion within the Lagos APC.

Political analysts say the endorsement significantly strengthens Hamzat’s chances ahead of the governorship election, given Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics. The president’s backing is often seen as a critical factor in determining the party’s direction in the state, where the APC has maintained a firm grip on power since 1999.

Hamzat, an engineer and former commissioner for works and infrastructure, has played a central role in the current administration, particularly in policy implementation and infrastructural development. His supporters argue that his experience in governance and familiarity with the state’s policy framework make him a natural successor.

Reacting to the endorsement, Hamzat expressed gratitude to Tinubu and party leaders, pledging to uphold the party’s ideals and deliver on the expectations of Lagos residents. He also called for unity among party members, urging those who had shown interest in the race to rally behind the consensus decision.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me,” he said. “This is a collective project, and together we will continue to build a greater Lagos.”

Despite the consensus arrangement, some observers note that managing dissent within the party will be crucial in the coming months. While the APC has historically demonstrated strong internal discipline in Lagos, sidelined aspirants may still seek concessions or political accommodation.

The endorsement also sets the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched election, given Lagos’ strategic importance in national politics and the economy. With the opposition likely to field a formidable candidate, the APC’s early move to unify around Hamzat could prove decisive.

For now, Tinubu’s endorsement has provided clarity within the ruling party, effectively kickstarting the campaign season and reaffirming the APC’s intent to retain control of Lagos State.