Ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Lagos, a key ally of Bola Tinubu, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, has stirred fresh political conversation by hinting at a possible successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Olusi, who chairs the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), made the remark during a high-level gathering of stakeholders in the state. His comments come amid growing speculation that the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, could emerge as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming primaries.
Speaking at the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations, held at the MUSON Centre, Olusi repeatedly referred to Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos.” The event, organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation, focused on urbanisation challenges in the state but quickly took on political significance due to Olusi’s remarks.
His repeated endorsement of Hamzat drew attention from political observers and stakeholders present at the summit, many of whom interpreted it as a signal of elite consensus within Lagos’ political structure. Such public affirmations, especially from a respected figure within the GAC, are often seen as influential in shaping party direction ahead of major elections.
Adding to the intrigue was the presence of former governor Babatunde Fashola, who was seated beside Hamzat during the proceedings. The optics of the event, combined with Olusi’s comments, reinforced speculation about continuity in Lagos’ leadership.
Olusi also highlighted Hamzat’s indigenous ties, describing him as a “son of the soil” and linking him to local roots in Egbe. This emphasis on identity and heritage was seen as a strategic effort to strengthen his acceptability among key grassroots and traditional stakeholders.
The IBILE Eko Summit is widely regarded as a platform where influential voices converge to shape governance and political direction in Lagos. As such, Olusi’s remarks may signal early alignment among power brokers ahead of the 2027 elections, positioning Hamzat as a leading contender in the state’s succession race.
