GAC adopts Hamzat as consensus candidate
What appeared to be final level of endorsement to make him the consensus candidate, took place yesterday. Obafemi Hamzat, who got the nod of his boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on
What appeared to be final level of endorsement to make him the consensus candidate, took place yesterday.
Obafemi Hamzat, who got the nod of his boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday, received the green light from the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
After its meeting, which lasted over two hours was attended by more than 20 members, GAC leader Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi pronounced Hamzat as the adopted choice.
He described the meeting as “very exhaustive and engaging.”
“We have just concluded an important GAC meeting with over 23 or 24 of our leaders in attendance, and the deliberations were very comprehensive,” he said.
According to him, discussions centred on preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the governorship race in Lagos State.
He explained that while the party’s constitution guaranteed free and fair primaries for all aspirants, it also provided room for consensus arrangements.
“Our constitution allows for primaries and guarantees equal opportunity for all aspirants.
“However, it also recognises consensus as a means of fostering unity and peace,” he said.
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He said that after careful deliberations, the GAC members unanimously agreed to adopt Hamzat as its consensus candidate.
“We have all agreed that Dr Olufemi Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor, is our consensus candidate, and we have all pledged to stand by him,” he said.
“All our leaders here have levied themselves to fund the nomination form for Mr Deputy.
“They have committed to purchasing the form for him, even from their personal savings as retirees,” he said.
He, however, clarified that the adoption did not replace the formal primary election stipulated by the party.
“Yes, the primaries will still hold. There is a laid-down procedure, and we will follow it.
This consensus is to guide our position,” he added.
Speaking after the GAC meeting Sanwo-Olu said: “We firmly believe in the vision of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have bought his nomination form.
“This is a testament to the fact that we believe in the future of what the Renewed Hope Agenda will do for the good of Nigerians”.
