Governor Sanwo-Olu endorses Dr Obafemi Hamzat

By Daud AbusiOdumare

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

Members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, were also at the meeting.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders, noting that Hamzat is prepared and capable of leading the state.

“We have just received the deputy governor, who came with a very strong delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest the governorship seat.

“It was unanimous among all of us that the 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 their working relationship over the past seven years, citing 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 and support. I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” he added.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with bringing both men into leadership and fostering their partnership.

“We thank our father and leader, Mr President, who saw the vision from the beginning. That long-term vision is what is being manifested here today,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Describing Hamzat as ready for leadership, the governor said: “This is a deputy governor who has been worthy of being governor from day one. This is a man who has been built for this job, and we believe he deserves the opportunity to run this state.”

He characterised the meeting as a consultative process involving party leaders and government officials.

“It has been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that the deputy governor is fit, ready and well-prepared for this job,” Sanwo-Olu said.