As of April 2026, a significant realignment is taking shape around Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat. Central to this mobilisation is Otunba Lekan Osifeso, the construction magnate and Chairman of Retro Group, whose strategic backing is now viewed as a pivotal factor in the 2027 governorship equation.
The timing of Osifeso's public rallying coincides with a seismic shift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) hierarchy. On April 28, 2026, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) officially named Hamzat its consensus candidate. This institutional nod was bolstered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who publicly endorsed his deputy as a well-prepared successor, and a collective move by party leaders to fund Hamzat's N50 million nomination form.
Osifeso's involvement brings a different kind of weight to the Hamzat project. Known as a Construction Czar with deep roots in Ijebuland, he has historically functioned as a high-level operative for the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket. His influence bridges the gap between the elite business community and the grassroots machinery, providing the financial and social capital necessary for a sustained statewide campaign.
Their connection is not merely political; it is deeply personal. Hamzat has been a prominent guest at Osifeso's most significant cultural milestones, including his installation as the Olotu-Olowa of Ijebuland. This long-standing friendship provides a foundation of trust that political analysts say is essential for maintaining continuity in the state's THEMES+ development agenda.
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As Hamzat conducts consultative visits with figures like Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Osifeso's role as a primary mobiliser becomes increasingly visible.
