Esther Oseyiomon
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, describing him as capable and ready to succeed him ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
The endorsement came on Monday during a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the state’s top seat before members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said his working relationship with Hamzat over the past seven years had shown him to be a dependable leader with strong values, including integrity, loyalty, and commitment to service.
He noted that stakeholders at the meeting unanimously agreed that the deputy governor possesses the experience and competence required to lead the state, adding that Hamzat understands the structure and demands of governance.
A video from the gathering, which has since circulated widely, captured the governor praying for Hamzat and raising his hand in a symbolic show of support, drawing applause from those present.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the role of party leadership in shaping the political direction of the state, expressing appreciation for what he described as a shared vision among key figures.
Hamzat’s declaration signals the early build-up to the 2027 governorship race, with political observers expecting increased consultations and alignments within the ruling party in the coming months.
The meeting was described by insiders as a strategic gathering of party leaders aimed at consolidating support and setting the tone for the succession process within the state’s political structure.