Olushola Omogbehin
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his choiced successor for the 2027 governorship election.
This was disclosed on Monday at Lagos House, Marina, after a closed-door meeting, which added fresh narrative to the growing political tension in the state on who becomes the next governor.
Hamzat also formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.
Those present at the meeting were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon.
Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present as he described Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu appreciated President Bola, who he said is instrumental to the discovery of himself and Hamzat, as well as their working relationship.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, had publicly declared support for Hamzat’s ambition.
He made the announcement while addressing leaders of the All Progressives Congress during a consultation meeting with party leaders.
The Speaker revealed that discussions on the 2027 governorship succession had already been held among key political actors during a recent visit to Abuja, with consensus emerging in favour of Hamzat.
He affirmed that the meeting was convened to reaffirm that position and align party leaders behind the deputy governor.
Key figures in the state who have thrown their weight behind Hamzat include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; and former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, among others.
