Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has confirmed the commencement of high-level consultations with key party stakeholders as political discussions ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the deputy governor disclosed that he had begun engagements with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), describing the interactions as sincere and insightful discussions focused on the future of Lagos and the leadership direction required.
Hamzat noted that he deeply values the wealth of experience and guidance provided by the council, stressing that the ongoing consultation process is anchored on listening, learning, and collaboration. According to him, the engagements are aimed at building a stronger and more prosperous Lagos.
Recall that Lagos Panorama recently reported that the Justice Forum, a major bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has endorsed Hamzat ahead of next month’s governorship primary.
As coordinator of the influential group in the state, James Abiodun Faleke, over the weekend directed members and supporters to back Hamzat as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election, positioning him as a potential successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Key figures within the Justice Forum include former governor Babatunde Fashola, ex-deputy governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and GAC chairman Tajudeen Olusi. Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Finance, said the endorsement is aimed at ensuring Hamzat emerges as Lagos’ next governor.
Sources familiar with the meeting said it formed part of broader consultations shaping the state’s political future. Deliberations reportedly focused on party unity, continuity of Lagos’ development agenda, and the leadership question ahead of 2027.
Hamzat used the opportunity to brief party leaders on his stewardship while receiving feedback from across party structures.
The engagement is the latest in a series of strategic meetings by the deputy governor.
Insiders say he has recently consulted widely with traditional rulers, local government leaders, technocrats, and grassroots mobilisers across Lagos West, Central, and East.
His outreach has also extended to former governors, federal lawmakers, and religious leaders.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, boasts an extensive record in Lagos governance. He previously held key roles as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, contributing to major projects under successive administrations.
In his current role, he oversees several cabinet committees spanning infrastructure, digital governance, and intergovernmental relations.
With his growing visibility at critical stakeholder engagements, Hamzat is increasingly positioned as a central figure in discussions over Lagos’ next governor.
The GAC—widely regarded as the APC’s highest decision-making body in the state—remains pivotal to succession dynamics, with its endorsements historically influencing outcomes in party primaries.
