Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, describing him as fit, prepared, and capable of leading the state.
The endorsement came on Monday during a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sanwo-Olu, while speaking to journalists after the meeting, said his working relationship with Hamzat over the past seven years had proven the deputy governor’s competence, integrity, and loyalty.
He said the decision to support Hamzat’s ambition was unanimous among party stakeholders present at the meeting.
“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 governorship position of the state,” Sanwo-Olu 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 further described Hamzat as a dependable ally who had demonstrated commitment and strong support throughout their administration.
“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 added.
A video from the meeting, which has since gone viral, showed Sanwo-Olu lifting Hamzat’s hand after offering prayers, to the applause of those in attendance.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader whose vision continues to shape political developments in Lagos.
He noted that the gathering was a “family meeting” and reiterated that stakeholders were united in their support for Hamzat, expressing confidence in his readiness to lead Lagos State
