Lagos guber: Sanwo-Olu backs Hamzat as preferred successor

The way is now open for the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, to secure the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contest the 2027 Center of Excellence elections.

On Monday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu endorsed Hamzat as his preferred successor from May 29, 2027.

He said: “We have just received Mr. Congressman, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the office of governor of the state.
“We were all unanimous in saying that the lieutenant governor is a suitable and well-prepared man for this job. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and working relationship with him over the past seven years, highlighting his “integrity, loyalty, commitment and support” as defining qualities.

“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment and support. So, I feel personally honored and privileged that he has given me this honor to inform me,” he said.

The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu, who he said is instrumental in the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.

“We thank our father, our leader, President Bola Tinubu, who saw the vision. This long haul is what is already manifesting here today,” he added.

Describing Hamzat as ready for leadership, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is a deputy governor who is worth a governor from day one, this is a man who was created for this job and we believe he deserves to be given the chance to go and run this state.”

He also characterized the meeting as a consultative process involving party leaders and government officials, stressing that the approval followed broad agreement among stakeholders.

“It was a very warm family meeting and in the end, it was unanimous to say that Mr. Deputy Governor is fit, ready and well prepared for this job,” he said.