Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday announced the endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.
- +2027: Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat for Lagos governorship
The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including Ganiyu Solomon and former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including Ganiyu Solomon and former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
A unanimous decision for succession Addressing journalists after the session, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by the stakeholders present. He characterised Hamzat as a leader who is exceptionally prepared and capable of steering the affairs of the state.
“We just received the Deputy Governor, who came with a very powerful delegation of our leaders to inform us of his intention to contest for the governorship,” the Governor said. “It was unanimous among us that the Deputy Governor is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are”.
Integrity and institutional knowledge Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and their close working relationship over the past seven years, citing his integrity, loyalty, and commitment as defining qualities. He noted that Hamzat has operated at the highest levels of government and earned the trust of the political establishment.
“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” Sanwo-Olu added. “This is a man who has been built for this job, and we believe he deserves to be given the chance to run this state”.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with discovering both himself and Hamzat and fostering their partnership. He described the current manifestation of Hamzat’s ambition as the result of a long-term vision for the state’s leadership.
Early alignment within the APC The Governor described the gathering as a consultative process involving government officials and party stalwarts. The move signals an early and significant alignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement is expected to provide Hamzat with a formidable platform as the party prepares for its primary elections, effectively narrowing the field of potential successors within the incumbent’s inner circle.
