Lagos 2027: Hamzat Gains Massive Backing as APC Battles Over Running Mate

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election is becoming increasingly intense as Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, continues to gather strong endorsements from key stakeholders within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hamzat’s governorship ambition received a fresh boost following public endorsements from labour unions, influential APC leaders, and top political figures in Lagos State, amid growing mobilisation across party structures ahead of the APC governorship primary.

The latest endorsement came during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, where leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) openly declared support for Hamzat’s candidacy.

Speaking during the event themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, described Hamzat as a loyal and experienced public servant capable of sustaining Lagos’ developmental agenda.

According to her, the deputy governor remains “competent, tested and trusted,” adding that his emergence as governor would guarantee continuity in infrastructure development and governance reforms initiated by previous administrations in the state.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, Hamzat received loud cheers from workers and supporters as he toured the stadium before addressing the crowd.

The deputy governor appreciated the growing support for his ambition and assured Lagos residents that the state would witness improved development if elected governor in 2027.

“We will not let you down. The developmental trajectory will be improved upon in Lagos. Nobody is ready because the assignment is audacious. But what you have is experience. Having served as Deputy Governor of Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu, I’ve learned a lot. I know the room. I know where the kitchen is,” Hamzat said.

Hamzat’s political momentum had earlier increased following endorsements reportedly received from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), regarded as the highest decision-making body within the Lagos APC.

Political sources disclosed that members of the GAC adopted Hamzat as the party’s preferred consensus governorship candidate after consultations involving major stakeholders in the Lagos APC.

The endorsement reportedly received further backing during meetings between Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders in Abuja, where discussions focused on the party’s succession plan ahead of 2027.

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Former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also aligned with Hamzat’s camp after stepping down from the governorship contest to support the deputy governor’s ambition.

Several grassroots mobilisation groups have since intensified campaigns across Lagos communities, local government areas, and APC ward structures to rally support for Hamzat ahead of the party primaries.

In another major development, Hamzat successfully scaled through the APC governorship screening exercise held in Abuja, clearing the way for him to participate in the party’s forthcoming primary election.

Speaking after the screening, Hamzat explained that the exercise focused on verifying credentials and public service records submitted by aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket.

“The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable. We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided,” he stated.

Party insiders disclosed that Hamzat’s performance during the screening further strengthened confidence among APC stakeholders already backing his candidacy.

Despite the growing endorsements, fresh tension has reportedly emerged within the Lagos APC over the choice of Hamzat’s running mate.

Sources within the party revealed that the APC leadership initially considered the Lagos State Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, from Badagry Division, for the deputy governorship position.

However, the move allegedly sparked resistance from political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders in Badagry, who argued that the division deserves the governorship slot rather than the deputy governorship seat.

Badagry leaders reportedly insisted that the area remains the only major division in Lagos yet to produce a state governor since the creation of Lagos State.

Following the backlash, APC leaders are said to be reviewing alternative options as consultations continue across various political blocs in the state.

Meanwhile, another controversy is brewing within the Lagos APC following allegations that former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, is attempting to influence the party’s House of Representatives ticket in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency.

The APC Concerned Group in Oshodi-Isolo accused Aregbesola, who was expelled from the party, of sponsoring a preferred candidate against the wishes of party members in the constituency.

The group warned that such interference could trigger fresh internal divisions within the Lagos APC ahead of the 2027 general election.

Political observers believe the coming months may witness intense lobbying, strategic alliances, and renewed power struggles within the Lagos APC as the battle for succession gathers momentum.

Lagos 2027: Hamzat Gains Massive Backing as APC Battles Over Running Mate

ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it has overcome major internal challenges following a recent Supreme Court decision, which it claims restored full leadership authority to the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that the ruling enabled the party to resume core activities such as organising primaries and selecting candidates for upcoming elections.

Reacting to the defection of key opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdullahi admitted that the development has complicated opposition strategy. He noted that the exit of the politicians has shifted the electoral landscape into a more fragmented contest, which he said could inadvertently strengthen the ruling party’s position.

On internal disputes and legal concerns, Abdullahi dismissed suggestions that ongoing court cases threaten the stability or electoral readiness of the ADC. He insisted that the party continues to function within the legal framework and that internal disputes are being exaggerated by external observers. According to him, leadership matters within political parties remain internal issues that do not prevent participation in elections.

Addressing claims of internal imposition of candidates, Abdullahi rejected allegations that the ADC is controlled to favour specific individuals. He said the party is committed to a transparent primary election system, where all aspirants are given equal opportunity to contest. He further argued that some politicians who left the coalition did so because they were unwilling to participate in competitive internal processes.

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On zoning and electoral strategy, the ADC spokesman said the party has not adopted any rigid position on regional rotation for the presidency ahead of the 2027 elections. He explained that the party’s decisions will be guided by electoral viability and strategy rather than geographical considerations, stressing that opposition parties must prioritise winning capacity over zoning arrangements.

Abdullahi also alleged that the emergence of the NDC and related political developments are part of a broader effort to weaken opposition unity in Nigeria. He claimed that such fragmentation ultimately benefits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the country approaches the 2027 elections. The Presidency has not responded to the allegation at the time of this report.

On governance and electoral issues, he criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for reforms to strengthen its independence and improve electoral credibility. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Tinubu administration, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards.

The ADC spokesman further questioned the independence of the National Assembly under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, arguing that the separation of powers is being weakened in the current political environment.

Despite these concerns and recent defections, Abdullahi reaffirmed that the ADC remains committed to building a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party’s focus remains on ideological clarity, democratic processes, and offering Nigerians what it describes as a credible alternative to the current administration.

ADC Reacts to Defections, Says Tinubu Benefiting from Opposition Disunity

Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control

Political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly deepening as the face-off between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole is increasingly being interpreted as an early signal of a wider power struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders say the disagreement is part of a broader realignment within the ruling party, with control of the National Assembly leadership and the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) emerging as key battlegrounds for influence ahead of the next political cycle.

Sources familiar with developments in the party disclosed that recent tensions were partly triggered by a failed attempt to restructure leadership within the PGF, including moves linked to the possible removal of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the forum. Although the plan was later reversed, insiders say it exposed underlying fractures within the APC, especially among competing blocs aligned to different power centres within the presidency and party hierarchy.

There are also claims that some influential actors within the political establishment had supported discussions around replacing Uzodinma with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, further intensifying speculation about internal political realignment within the APC.

At the heart of the growing tension is the struggle for control of the Senate leadership structure, which insiders say is already shaping alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports suggest that Senate President Akpabio has begun positioning for influence over a possible self-succession arrangement in the upper chamber, a move that has reportedly unsettled rival political blocs within the party.

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Although the next National Assembly elections are still months away, political calculations have already begun, with lawmakers quietly engaging in lobbying and strategic positioning for key leadership roles.

Senator Oshiomhole is also believed to be interested in the Senate Presidency, a factor that has contributed to rising tensions within the Senate leadership structure. Other political heavyweights reportedly considering the same position include former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and other influential figures within the APC, setting the stage for what insiders describe as a high-stakes leadership contest after the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the unfolding rivalry reflects deeper succession politics within the APC, with multiple blocs already positioning themselves ahead of the post-2027 political order. The tensions are also linked to broader efforts to influence both legislative and executive power structures, including governorship alignments, Senate leadership control, and party hierarchy restructuring.

Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong influence over the party and National Assembly since 2023, analysts note that internal competition has remained active beneath the surface, with various factions seeking greater control ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The current situation also brings back memories of the 2023 Senate leadership race, where despite strong backing for Akpabio, Senator Yari reportedly mounted a significant challenge and secured substantial support, highlighting the competitive nature of internal APC power struggles.

As political actors continue to position themselves ahead of 2027, the Akpabio–Oshiomhole rift is increasingly seen as a reflection of deeper structural tensions within the APC. Analysts warn that how the party manages these emerging divisions may play a crucial role in determining its cohesion, legislative stability, and electoral strength in the next general election.

Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control