Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate to succeed him in the 2027 governorship election.
The decision emerged after a private meeting held at Lagos House in Marina, where Hamzat formally presented his ambition to contest the top seat before members of the State Executive Council and influential figures within the ruling party.
Top party stakeholders, including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, were also part of the gathering, signalling broad political interest in the succession plan.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement reflected a shared position among those present, stressing confidence in Hamzat’s readiness for leadership.
“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,” 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. He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are.”
Sanwo-Olu pointed to years of close collaboration with his deputy as proof of his capability, highlighting what he described as strong personal and professional values.
“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,” the governor said.
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“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 added that Hamzat’s conduct in office over the years has demonstrated consistency and trustworthiness.
“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.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu in shaping both his political journey and that of his deputy, noting that their emergence was rooted in a long-standing vision.
“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.
Reinforcing his position, the governor described Hamzat as someone fully equipped to take on the responsibility of leading Lagos State, insisting that the deputy has long shown capacity for the role.
“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one, this is a man that has been built for this job, and we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state.”
He further explained that the endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders and government officials, portraying the outcome as a collective decision.
“It’s been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked… for this job,” he said.