President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State as consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 governorship election.

The move has intensified debate over internal party democracy and allegations of “state capture” in Lagos State.

The endorsement took place during a high-level meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, GAC, the influential apex decision-making body in the Lagos APC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Council was led by its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, alongside Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

APC loyalists defended the process, noting that consensus candidacy is permitted under Nigeria’s electoral framework.

They argued that Hamzat’s technocratic background and experience in governance make him a suitable successor to incumbent Governor Sanwo-Olu.