By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has adopted Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship elections.

The Leader of the council, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, disclosed this on Tuesday after an extensive meeting of the council attended by more than 20 prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress.

He described the meeting as “very exhaustive and engaging,” noting that it lasted nearly two hours.

“We have just concluded an important GAC meeting with over 23 or 24 of our leaders in attendance, and the deliberations were very comprehensive,” he said.

According to him, discussions centred on preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the governorship race in Lagos State.

He explained that while the party’s constitution guaranteed free and fair primaries for all aspirants, it also provided room for consensus arrangements.

“Our constitution allows for primaries and guarantees equal opportunity for all aspirants.

“However, it also recognises consensus as a means of fostering unity and peace,” he said.

He said that after careful deliberations, the GAC members unanimously agreed to adopt Hamzat as its consensus candidate.

“We have all agreed that Dr Olufemi Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor, is our consensus candidate, and we have all pledged to stand by him,” he said.

“All our leaders here have levied themselves to fund the nomination form for Mr Deputy.

“They have committed to purchasing the form for him, even from their personal savings as retirees,” he said.

He, however, clarified that the adoption did not replace the formal primary election stipulated by the party.

“Yes, the primaries will still hold. There is a laid-down procedure, and we will follow it. This consensus is to guide our position,” he added.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State APC had bought President Bola Tinubu’s presidential election nomination form.

“We firmly believe in the vision of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have bought his nomination form.

“This is a testament to the fact that we believe in the future of what the Renewed Hope Agenda will do for the good of Nigerians,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu had on Monday publicly endorsed Hamzat’s governorship aspiration.

Present at the announcement of Hamzat’s as Lagos GAC’s consensus candidate include a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, Alhaji Bushura Alebiosu and Sen. Tokunbo Abiru.

The others include Sen. Anthony Adefuye and Cardinal James Odunbaku.