Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has formally backed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship race, following a high-level political meeting held at the Lagos House, Marina.
The endorsement was made public on Monday, April 27, after a closed-door gathering during which Hamzat officially declared his ambition to contest for the governorship before members of the State Executive Council and senior party stakeholders.
The meeting also featured key members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Ganiyu Solomon, and other political actors.
Addressing journalists after the session, Sanwo-Olu said the decision to support Hamzat was unanimous among those in attendance, describing the deputy governor as fully prepared for the role.
“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,” the governor said.
“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.”
The governor also praised Hamzat’s long years of service alongside him, pointing to his loyalty, discipline, and commitment to governance over the past seven years.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu celebrates deputy, Hamzat at 58, describes him as committed partner
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.
Sanwo-Olu further acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s influence in their political journey, expressing appreciation for his role in their emergence and partnership.
“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.
Describing Hamzat as exceptionally prepared for leadership, the governor insisted that the deputy governor has the competence to take over the reins of the state.
“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 added that the meeting was part of a wider consultation involving party leaders and government officials, which ultimately produced a unanimous endorsement.
“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.
The development signals early political positioning within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.