Obafemi Hamzat, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has been described as a politician who was prepared for the position many years ago. Political analyst Omotayo Yusuf made this assertion in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, citing three key scenarios to support his argument.
Hamzat's Strategic Preparation
Yusuf, a political commentator, explained that Hamzat, who currently serves as the deputy governor of Lagos, has secured the backing of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), a powerful bloc that determines the APC's governorship candidate in the state. However, he raised concerns about whether the GAC would allow Hamzat to remain in office for 16 years, given that he has already served eight years as deputy governor and could potentially serve eight years as governor.
Migration from the US to Nigeria
The analyst also highlighted Hamzat's migration story from the United States to Nigeria, suggesting it was part of a long-term plan for him to eventually become governor. Yusuf recalled how Hamzat stepped down for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ahead of the 2019 elections, after which he was nominated as deputy governor.
Yusuf stated: "Based on that knowledge and antecedent, it's clear that Hamzat's position as deputy governor of Lagos State was being prepared for him to be the governor of Lagos. However, where I worry is whether the party has any plan to make him run for eight years, considering that would have kept him at the helm of Lagos affairs for 16 years. That is, eight years as deputy governor, eight years as governor. He has gotten the support of the GAC and other important members of the APC in Lagos long before now, which is why my theory is that he rarely even performed as deputy governor, so that he would rather be in the shadow, preparing for the seat of the governorship."
Tinubu's Role in Hamzat's Return
Yusuf further elaborated on how Hamzat came to join the APC, a story Hamzat has himself admitted. He was working in a bank in the US when then-Governor Bola Tinubu visited the bank, had a conversation with him, and convinced him to return to Nigeria because there was work for him to do. Yusuf suggested that during that conversation, Hamzat may have been promised that he would eventually take on the mantle of leadership in Lagos State, which is why he agreed to return.
"Whatever the discussion is, he was convinced enough to return to Nigeria and join politics. Also, he ran in the primary election of the APC Lagos in 2019, but ultimately stepped down and became the running mate of the current governor. So his own time has come, eight years as deputy governor. I predict it's just going to be a walk in the park for him in emerging as the governor, not only because he has been in the system, but he also has the pedigree to show for it, academically, work-wise, political experience, and the support of Lagos State," Yusuf added.
Gbajabiamila's Message to ADC
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, urged Leke Abejide to remain in the ADC. Gbajabiamila, speaking at the lawmaker's wedding anniversary, said the ruling party is satisfied with Abejide's membership in the ADC and encouraged him to fight for the party. This comment came amid the leadership crisis rocking the ADC between the factions of Nafiu Bala and David Mark.
