Following a wave of endorsements backing Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos APC is already showing early signs of internal conflict ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship race.
What first appeared to be a routine political alignment within the party has sparked wider debate about internal democracy, candidate imposition, and the future balance of power in the Lagos APC, with some stakeholders quietly but increasingly questioning the process that produced Hamzat’s emergence.
According to sources, on Monday, April 27, 2026, Governor Sanwo-Olu met behind closed doors with members of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, and other important stakeholders in Lagos House, Marina, which accelerated the succession discussion.
Hamzat used the occasion to formally announce his ambition to run for governor in 2027, and the governor quickly endorsed him, according to sources acquainted with the meeting who spoke to DAILY POST.
The GAC, which is considered the Lagos APC’s highest decision-making body, formally supported Hamzat within a day of Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement, strengthening his standing within the party.
Additionally, it was learned that the council chairman had publicly referred to Hamzat as “incoming” during previous discussions with him. This comment led to a lot of conjecture that the leadership had already made a decision for him before making an official announcement.
Meanwhile, the political tide within the Lagos APC shifted further after President Tinubu met with GAC members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, April 29, and backed Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate.
Party Leaders Raise Concerns
However, according to sources, not all APC stakeholders are happy with the course of events, despite the growing consensus among top party officials.
Some party members have raised concerns over what they described as a top-down approach to candidate selection, warning that it could undermine internal democracy if not carefully managed.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a top Lagos APC member voiced concerns over the endorsements’ rapidity.
The question of consensus versus direct primaries has reportedly grown to be a significant source of disagreement inside the party.
Meanwhile, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, has publicly opposed the idea of adopting a consensus candidate, insisting that the party must follow due process.
Speaking recently, he stated: “The party will not adopt any consensus arrangement for the governorship ticket.
“There will be direct primaries where every aspirant will have the opportunity to test their popularity and acceptance among party members. That is the only way to ensure fairness, transparency, and unity after the primaries.
Jandor also announced his withdrawal from the governorship race while addressing the media, leaders of the Lagos4Lagos Movement
Stakeholders Disagree
In addition to the procedural issues, sources revealed that other stakeholders have raised more general political concerns about inclusivity and succession within the party.
A party insider claims that some people are worried about the appearance of going straight from deputy governor to governor after eight years in government.
Prior to Hamzat’s endorsement, there had been increasing calls for former governor Akinwunmi Ambode to serve a second term, primarily in order to rectify the Epe Division’s alleged representation imbalance.
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