The race for Lagos 2027 governorship has begun to take shape as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu endorses his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as successor.
The announcement followed 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 party leaders.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Ganiyu Solomon, and other party stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement was a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present, describing Hamzat as well-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”, he 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”.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and long-standing working relationship with him over the past seven years, citing his integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support.
“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 said.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu, noting his role in shaping their leadership journey and political alignment.
“We thank our father, our leader, Mr President, who saw the vision… that long run is what is already being manifested here today”, he added.
Describing Hamzat as fully prepared for leadership, Sanwo-Olu said, “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 that the endorsement followed broad consultations with party leaders and government officials, describing the process as a “warm family meeting” that ended in unanimous agreement.
The development signals early political realignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos as preparations build toward the 2027 general elections.
