Lagos 2027: Hamzat Consolidates As Badagry, Ambode Groups Kick

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC as powerful blocs from Badagry Division openly kicked against the growing push for Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, even as loyalists of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode dismissed claims of any endorsement deal in the race for 2027.

The twin developments from the Ambode and Badagry groups have punctured the earlier momentum suggesting a smooth path for Hamzat, with multiple interests now digging in for what is shaping into a bruising succession battle.

GWG.ng, however, reports that the developments are not likely to derail the momentum for Hamzat who has also been reportedly endorsed by the influential Governance Advisory Council, GAC.

At the forefront of the resistance are stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth organisations from Badagry Division, who have intensified their long-running agitation for power shift under the ‘Badagry Ló Kàn’ (It’s Badagry’s Turn) campaign.

The groups insist that the push for Hamzat or any candidate outside their axis runs contrary to equity, arguing that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, Badagry remains the only one among the five traditional divisions yet to produce a governor.

“This is about justice, fairness and inclusion, not confrontation,” leaders of the movement reiterated, even as they warned that imposing a candidate could alienate loyal party bases in the division.

The agitation has gained moral weight with backing from respected voices, including 93-year-old elder statesman, Pa Andu Liadi Adio, and traditional rulers led by the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, Oba Olalekan Sejiro, who have formally appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leadership to consider Badagry.

Groups such as the Concerned People of Badagry Forum and Badagry Federation Youth and Women organisations have also pledged massive electoral mobilisation for the APC, if the governorship ticket is zoned to their division.

Their preferred aspirant, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, is already being positioned as a consensus figure within the axis.

The Badagry push, however, directly collides with the rising profile of Hamzat, whose candidacy has recently gained traction following a public endorsement by Ikeja federal lawmaker James Faleke.

Faleke’s declaration urging party faithful to rally behind Hamzat had been interpreted in some quarters as a signal from the political camp of President Tinubu, widely regarded as the ultimate power broker in Lagos politics.

But that narrative is now being fiercely contested.

In a parallel development, associates of Ambode have moved swiftly to debunk reports suggesting that the former governor had secured backing from the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) or Tinubu.

Sources within the Ambode camp described the claims as “false projections,” insisting that no formal endorsement has been granted to any aspirant.

“The race is still open. Any suggestion that Ambode has been endorsed is speculative and misleading,” a key ally said, warning against attempts to stampede party stakeholders with premature claims.

The denial effectively places both Hamzat and Ambode camps on uncertain footing, with neither side able to conclusively claim the backing of the party’s power structure.

Political observers say the unfolding scenario underscores a deeper struggle within the Lagos APC, where multiple blocs are jostling for relevance ahead of 2027.

While Hamzat’s supporters point to his long technocratic record—spanning eight years as commissioner under former governor Babatunde Fashola and his current role as deputy governor—critics argue that zoning considerations could override merit in the final calculation.

Ambode, on the other hand, is banking on a redemption narrative after his controversial denial of a second term in 2019, positioning himself as a tested hand deserving another shot.

Yet, with Badagry groups now openly rejecting perceived impositions and insisting on their turn, the political equation has become significantly more complex, though it is not thought it can derail Hamzat.

For now, all eyes remain on Tinubu, whose eventual signal is widely believed to be decisive in determining the APC flagbearer.

Until then, Lagos politics appears set for a prolonged season of intrigue, shifting alliances, and high-stakes brinkmanship. (GWG)