Arise Television’s Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has issued a strong caution to Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat over his 2027 governorship ambition, emphasizing that ultimate political influence in Lagos lies with President Bola Tinubu, widely known as “Baba” or “Jagaban.” The remark came during a live broadcast on Monday, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s public endorsement of Hamzat as his preferred successor. The endorsement was made after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election in front of the State Executive Council and key All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders.
Oseni stressed that while Sanwo-Olu’s support and the backing of the Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) carry weight, they are not decisive in Lagos politics. He pointed to historical patterns, noting that no aspirant has secured victory without the explicit endorsement of Tinubu. “I know a lot of people have been expecting me to say something,” Oseni stated. “Babajide Sanwo-Olu can endorse his deputy. People in the Governorship Advisory Council, GAC, can endorse his deputy. But the historical antecedents I have of Lagos politics, if ‘Baba’ has not said, Hazmat, it’s you, Hamzat should not sleep with his two eyes. That’s just it.”
He further highlighted past political shifts in Lagos, including the fallout involving former governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the leadership turmoil surrounding Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Oseni recalled how Obasa was once removed from office, with many believing Tinubu was behind the move, only for Obasa to return to power later. “I also remember the case of Obasa, when everybody thought, oh, ‘Baba’ had a hand in Obasa’s removal. It turns out Obasa is back there today,” he said.
Oseni also mentioned other political figures who claim to have received Tinubu’s backing, including Jandor and a candidate from Badagry, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding such claims. “There’s somebody too that he, I think, has contacted me that probably we should even give a chance to speak, that’s from Badagry that said the Badagry angle too should be there. So I’m also very skeptical.”
His comments reflect the complex and often unpredictable nature of Lagos politics, where loyalty, alliances, and the influence of key figures like Tinubu can shift rapidly. As the 2027 governorship race begins to take shape, Oseni’s warning serves as a reminder that political endorsements, while significant, are not guarantees of success in a state where the final word often rests with the man known as “Jagaban.” The coming months will reveal whether Hamzat can secure Tinubu’s support, or if he will face the same fate as past aspirants who relied too heavily on other endorsements.
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