Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has publicly backed Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Gbajabiamila expressed confidence in Hamzat's leadership capacity during a video statement shared online by X user Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) on Sunday. He emphasized the need to win the election and elevate governance in Lagos, stating, "I have no doubt that you have the capacity to do that. Like I said earlier, you can count on my support."
Hamzat confirmed the meeting with Gbajabiamila, noting that their discussion centered on the state's direction and collective responsibility to improve outcomes for residents. Since April 13, Hamzat has held consultations with key APC figures, including former deputy governors Femi Pedro and Sarah Adebisi Sosan, ex-governor Babatunde Fashola, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and elder statesman Femi Okunnu. He has also engaged members of the APC's Governance Advisory Council, state leadership, and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Gbajabiamila's endorsement follows similar public support from House of Representatives member James Faleke. However, the backing has drawn criticism from Ibile Parapo, an indigenous group, which labeled the move provocative and raised concerns over Faleke's neutrality due to his alleged involvement in an APC screening committee.
Gbajabiamila's public backing of Hamzat while serving as Chief of Staff to the president creates a perception of institutional advantage in a party primary that is supposed to be competitive. Hamzat's extensive consultations with powerful APC figures suggest a well-funded, top-down campaign, sidelining grassroots aspirants without access to the same networks. This consolidation of elite support around one contender risks reducing the APC's internal democracy to a mere endorsement parade. Ordinary party members may find their voices drowned out long before the primary ballots are cast.
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