President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Obafemi Hamzat as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, in a move that signals early alignment ahead of the state’s next election cycle.

The endorsement was made during a high-level meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the influential political body within the state’s APC structure, led by its chairman, Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, and attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Hamzat, the current deputy governor of Lagos State, is widely regarded as a key figure in the state’s governance structure and a long-standing technocrat within the administration.

Party insiders say Tinubu’s backing reflects efforts to maintain continuity in Lagos politics while strengthening internal cohesion within the APC ahead of what is expected to be a competitive election period.

The GAC has traditionally played a decisive role in shaping consensus candidates in Lagos, helping to limit internal party disputes and streamline succession processes.

With the president’s endorsement aligning with the council’s position, the move is seen as significantly reducing the likelihood of high-level intra-party contestation within the state chapter of the APC.

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the decision followed broad consultation and was aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in governance.

Although the APC has not officially released its campaign timetable, the endorsement is expected to shape early political mobilisation in Lagos.

Observers note that Hamzat now enters the emerging race with strong institutional backing from both party structures and national leadership.