With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable setting April 23 to May 30 for party primaries nationwide, the contest for the Lagos State governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has entered a critical phase, with consultations, alignments and quiet power plays gathering pace.

Ahead of the primary next month, among those testing the waters early is the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, who has been moving around key blocs within the party. His recent visits to leaders of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), including its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, Musiliu Obanikoro, Anthony Adefuye, and former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, are part of ongoing consultations seen within the party as routine ahead of a competitive primary.

However, sources in the party say the meetings should not be mistaken for any settled arrangement.

“The reported endorsement of Hamzat as the preferred consensus candidate is still a rumour. What Obafemi Hamzat is doing is just consultation, and if anyone is telling you he has been ordained as the consensus candidate, just take it as a rumour,” a party leader said.

“In fact, it was even alleged that Asiwaju picked Ambode while GAC picked Hamzat. It is still all rumour. What is important is that the party has made it clear that the race is still open for contest.”

Still, Hamzat is regarded as one of the frontline aspirants, with some within the party pointing to his years in government.

Seun Okeowo, a political analyst, told BusinessDay that Hazmat may be a good choice based on his antecedents as a commissioner and deputy governor for eight years.

“People believe that experience counts… the odds favour him. He is being supported by most of the leaders and his chances are high. Lagosians would support someone like him as an accomplished public office holder that knows his onions,” and the analyst noted.

There are other aspirants in the race, including Jide Adediran, who signified his interest months ago. There is also
Femi Gbajabiamila, the current chief of staff to President Tinubu, Mudashiru Obasa and former governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Ambode has a large support among Lagosians, many credit him for massive infrastructure upgrades in the inner parts of the state during his four years in power between 2015 and 2019. In the last few months, his supporters say he is the best person to take Lagos to where it belongs.

The former governor’s consultations are already stirring conversations within APC circles.

His possible comeback is being framed by supporters as a chance to complete his tenure, a sentiment that is beginning to resonate in some quarters.

Amid the speculation, 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) in a statement few days ago by his spokesperson, urged caution, insisting the party process must be allowed to run its course.

“We note the ongoing speculations alleging that a preferred aspirant has been anointed; we restate that no aspirant has been anointed and that all aspirants will participate in a credible primary election,” he said.

The statement stated that should the APC leadership resolve to adopt a consensus candidacy, Jandor will fully align with that decision.

“When our leader speaks, I am sure no one will do otherwise.”

Within APC ranks, some party figures also describe Hamzat as an acceptable “insider” option.

“Hazmat candidacy would be acceptable and would be a popular one within the party, because he is considered an ‘insider’, a chieftain told BusinessDay.

Another source in the party told BusinessDay that there is no clear consensus candidate yet. The source said even if there is a favoured candidate, they would still go into the primary and allow others to test their might.

“I believe the race is not closed yet,” the source said.

There are also early signs of alignment within blocs such as the Justice Forum, where figures like Babatunde Fashola and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire are said to be backing Hamzat.

Lawmaker James Faleke has also publicly named him as a preferred successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

As the primary window draws closer, the Lagos APC is heading into crucial weeks. Observers say the unfolding drama could reshape the direction of the state in the coming years.