Lagos: Tinubu’s Machine Crowns Hamzat As Abiru Bows Out

Any lingering doubts over the emergence of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State appear to have finally collapsed, following a decisive alignment of forces within President Bola Tinubu’s political machinery.

The turning point came with the endorsement of Hamzat by Tokunbo Abiru, widely regarded by many party stakeholders as the only credible alternative within the president’s inner circle and, until recently, a potential rival being quietly positioned for the top job.

For weeks, political undercurrents within Lagos APC had been shaped by speculation that despite early endorsements for Hamzat, particularly by Rep. James Faleke, the deputy governor might not have secured the full backing of the Tinubu camp. At the heart of those insinuations was the belief that Abiru, a former banker with technocratic credentials, was being groomed as a possible consensus candidate.

However, that narrative appears to have been decisively altered.

During a strategic consultation visit to Abiru’s residence, Hamzat signalled both respect for party hierarchy and a deliberate effort to consolidate internal support. Speaking during the visit, the deputy governor underscored the importance of consultations in strengthening party unity and ensuring inclusiveness.

“Consultations are part of a democratic process to strengthen the party. It is our tradition to carry every member along in the decision-making process,” Hamzat said, framing his outreach as both procedural and symbolic.

But it was Abiru’s response that effectively reset the political equation.

In what observers describe as a clear signal that Tinubu’s political machine has now closed ranks, Abiru not only welcomed Hamzat’s move but offered an unambiguous endorsement, declaring: “You have our full support.”

That statement, coming from a figure long seen as Hamzat’s most formidable internal rival, is being interpreted as the clearest indication yet that the contest within the APC may no longer be an open race.

Party insiders say Abiru’s endorsement carries significant weight, not just because of his standing within Lagos East and the broader APC structure, but also because of his perceived proximity to the presidency.

With Abiru stepping aside, attention has now shifted to the consolidation of support across other influential blocs within Tinubu’s network.

That consolidation was further reinforced during Hamzat’s consultation visit to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, another key power broker in Lagos politics.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, left no room for ambiguity in his remarks, publicly throwing his weight behind Hamzat’s ambition.

“Dr. Hamzat, you’re a man of honour… you can take my support for granted because I have confidence in your ability and capacity,” he said. “My constituency, Surulere, is for you. Lagos is for you to win.”

The endorsement is particularly significant given Gbajabiamila’s influence within the Surulere axis and his longstanding ties to Tinubu’s political structure.

Taken together, the endorsements from Abiru and Gbajabiamila now point to a broader convergence within Tinubu’s camp—a development that many analysts say effectively crowns Hamzat as the establishment candidate.

What initially appeared to be a potentially competitive succession race within the APC is increasingly taking the shape of a coordinated transition, with party heavyweights closing ranks to present a united front ahead of 2027.

While other aspirants may yet emerge, the symbolic weight of Abiru’s endorsement—given his earlier positioning as a possible alternative—suggests that the internal contest may have been largely settled.

For Hamzat, the moment marks a critical milestone in his political journey, transforming his ambition from a strong bid into what many now see as the inevitable choice of the ruling establishment in Lagos.

As the APC moves gradually towards formal primaries, the message from the heart of Tinubu’s political machinery appears unmistakable: the path is being cleared, and the structure is aligning—firmly behind Hamzat.