Nigeria, June 15 -- Fifteen months ago, during last year's fasting month of Ramadan, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, invited selected senior journalists to his residence in Ikoyi for Iftar (breaking of the fast). On that day, he told guests that he is interested in running for the office of Governor in 2027 and sought the assistance of his friends in the media. On that occasion, he was told that he has the required qualifications and experience for the job but the decision of who becomes governor of the state rests squarely with the power brokers in Lagos politics and that he should begin to warm his way into their hearts.

The power brokers in the state's All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos is led by President Bola ...