Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship election, marking an early political alignment within the state’s ruling structure.
The announcement was made on Monday after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship position before members of the State Executive Council and key political stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by senior party figures and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as unanimous, saying stakeholders present collectively agreed that Hamzat was well-prepared to lead the state.
“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation… to inform us of his intention to contest,” the governor 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.”
Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat’s experience and long-standing role within the administration, highlighting what he described as his integrity, loyalty, and commitment over the past seven years.
“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, support,” the governor said, adding that Hamzat had been “built for this job.”
He also credited President Bola Tinubu for shaping the political leadership structure that brought both himself and Hamzat into their current roles, describing the development as part of a long-term vision for governance continuity.
Sanwo-Olu further emphasised that the meeting reflected broad consultation among party leaders and government officials, describing it as a “family decision” reached by consensus.
The endorsement signals an early consolidation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State as political activity begins to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Hamzat has not yet officially launched a campaign, the governor’s public backing is expected to significantly shape the political landscape in Nigeria’s most economically important state.
