Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday threw his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race, following a high-level meeting at Lagos House, Marina.
The endorsement came after Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the state’s top seat during a closed-door session attended by members of the state executive council and key political figures.
Among those present were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, alongside other party leaders.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as a capable and experienced leader who has earned the confidence of the administration after serving as deputy governor for seven years.
“We just received Mr Deputy who came with a strong delegation of leaders to formally inform us of his intention to contest,” the governor said.
“It was unanimous among us that the deputy governor is fit and well-prepared for this role. He understands the workings of government and has demonstrated integrity, loyalty and commitment at the highest level.”
Sanwo-Olu added that Hamzat’s experience within the administration positions him as a ready successor, noting that his contributions to governance have been significant.
“This is a deputy governor who is already governor material from day one. He has been built for this responsibility, and I believe he deserves the opportunity to lead Lagos at this point,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the role of party leadership and national figures in nurturing the political partnership, expressing appreciation for what he described as a long-term vision now coming to fruition.
Hamzat’s declaration and subsequent endorsement signal the early shaping of political alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, with party stakeholders rallying behind continuity in leadership.
