Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has publicly endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was made on Monday following a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House in Marina, signaling early political alignments ahead of the next election cycle.
The high-level meeting was attended by key members of the influential Governor’s Advisory Council, including prominent figures such as Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.
Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement is seen as a significant move that could shape the political landscape in Lagos, as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. By backing Hamzat, the governor appears to be signaling continuity in leadership and policy direction.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present.
He described Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.
“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state
“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and working relationship with him over the past seven years, noting his “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support” as defining qualities.
“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, support, and so I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” he said.
The governor thanked President Bola, who he said is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.
“We thank our father, our leader, Mr President, who saw the vision…that long run is what is already being manifested here today,” he added.
While saying Hamzat is ready for leadership, Sanwo-Olu said, “This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one, this is a man that has been built for this job, and we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state.”
He further characterised the meeting as a consultative process involving party leaders and government officials, noting that the endorsement followed broad agreement among stakeholders.
“It’s been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked…for this job,” he said.
