Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The endorsement followed a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat officially declared his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key party stakeholders.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the decision to back Hamzat was unanimously agreed upon by party leaders and government officials present.
“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 stated.
He further praised Hamzat’s performance over the past seven years, highlighting his loyalty, competence, and integrity in governance.
Sanwo-Olu expressed strong confidence in his deputy’s readiness to lead Lagos State, describing him as capable of sustaining and advancing the state’s development trajectory.
“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one… we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state,” he added.
The governor also acknowledged the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in shaping their political journey, describing him as a guiding force behind the current leadership structure.
Hamzat’s ambition has continued to gain momentum, with reported support from prominent political figures, including Mudashiru Obasa, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tokunbo Abiru, and Wale Edun.
Meanwhile, Obasa is said to have stepped back from the governorship race and is now positioning to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Agege Federal Constituency.
The endorsement is seen as a major political signal within the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially following consultations reportedly involving the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and other key stakeholders.
With this development, the political landscape in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections appears to be taking clearer shape, as party leaders consolidate support around a preferred candidate.
