The Chairman of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and close ally of President Bola Tinubu, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, has hinted at Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as a likely successor to incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This disclosure comes amid widespread speculation regarding the political future of the Deputy Governor who is increasingly viewed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial primary.
Olusi provided a strong indication of the party’s direction on Wednesday during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, hosted by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation.
Addressing a gathering themed “Addressing Urbanization and Urban Challenges of Lagos State” at the MUSON Centre, Olusi repeatedly referred to Dr. Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos.”
These remarks, made before an audience of key stakeholders and political observers, are seen as a significant move in shaping elite consensus within the state’s political landscape.
The event featured several prominent figures, including former Governor Babatunde Fashola and the President of the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation, Olasupo Shasore, SAN.
Observers noted that Olusi’s repeated references to Hamzat suggested a calculated effort to signal political continuity.
Beyond the endorsement, Olusi emphasized Hamzat’s indigenous roots, describing him as a “son of the soil” and a “cousin from Egbe,” a detail he presented as further validation of the Deputy Governor’s standing within the traditional and political structures of Lagos.
Although Dr. Hamzat has not yet made a formal declaration of interest, he recently confirmed that he has begun consultations with members of the GAC to discuss the future of the state.
He is reportedly backed by the influential Justice Forum political bloc and has received the support of Governor Sanwo-Olu, who recently described his deputy as the right man for the job.