Reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has settled for a consensus governorship candidate for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 election are unfounded and were not discussed at a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and South-West party leaders, sources have said.
Multiple insiders at the high-level meeting dismissed claims that the party’s leadership had endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as a consensus candidate, describing the speculation as premature and inaccurate.
According to the sources, deliberations focused instead on strengthening party cohesion in the South-West, preparations for the APC National Convention, and strategies to consolidate support for President Tinubu ahead of the next general elections.
“There was no conversation about consensus candidates for Lagos or any other state,” a participant said.
“The meeting centred on unity, mobilisation and positioning the party for future electoral responsibilities.”
Sources added that the President reiterated his preference for an open process that allows aspirants to test their popularity through established party mechanisms.
Party leaders were also urged to intensify engagement with members and the wider public, particularly in explaining government efforts to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and other economic reforms.
President Tinubu further briefed participants on the outcome of his recent trip to the United Kingdom and its expected benefits for Nigeria’s economic partnerships and investment outlook.
Insiders stressed that no decisions were taken on succession plans in Lagos and no aspirant received endorsement at the meeting.
“There was no directive from the President on the Lagos governorship ticket. Reports suggesting a consensus arrangement are simply rumours,” another source said.
They added that consultations within the Lagos APC would continue, with candidate selection expected to follow the party’s constitutional process ahead of the primaries.
