By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2027 election.

Tinubu gave the endorsement on Wednesday after a meeting with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos APC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation was led by GAC leader, Tajudeen Olusi, and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a post on his verified X handle.

“President Tinubu formally endorses the Lagos APC consensus governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, at a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council,” he wrote.

Speaking earlier with State House correspondents after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a historic moment for Lagos.

He said the visit was to formally present Hamzat to the President for validation, blessing and support ahead of the political process.

“It is a very memorable day for me personally. It is another full circle moment.

“The same team went through this about eight years ago when both of us were presented as governorship and deputy governorship candidates,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat possessed the credentials, charisma and competence required to govern Lagos State.

He praised the deputy governor for loyalty, dedication and commitment in the last seven years.

“He knows the room, he knows the design of the house, and he has been part of the journey for over 20 years,” the governor said.

Hamzat, on his part, thanked party leaders and the President for the confidence reposed in him.

He said the endorsement reflected the strong leadership structure and succession template in Lagos politics.

“These are our fathers, mentors and leaders. They have experience and wisdom.

“I am excited they brought me here to meet Mr President, who has blessed and endorsed the decision of the GAC,” he said.

Hamzat said his years as deputy governor had equipped him with experience and knowledge of governance.

“With God’s blessings and the support of our leaders, I have no fear,” he said. (NAN)

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