BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu endorses Hazmat as preferred successor

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the state executive council on Monday endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The governor made the announcement at Lagos House Marina following a closed-door meeting with Hamzat, who had formally informed him and cabinet members of his intention to contest the election.

Also present at the meeting were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, among other political stakeholders.

Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as a capable and experienced leader who is well-positioned to succeed him, noting that he has served as deputy governor for the past seven years with distinction.

“We just received the Deputy Governor, who came with a strong delegation of leaders in the state, including GAC members, former senators, and former ministers, to formally inform us of his intention to contest for the governorship position,” he said.

Furthermore, the governor emphasised that there was a consensus among stakeholders on Hamzat’s suitability, stating, “It was unanimous among all of us that the Deputy Governor is fit and well prepared for this job; he understands the workings of government and has demonstrated integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support at the highest level.”

He added, “I feel personally honoured that he chose this platform to make his intention known, and I must also thank our leader, Mr President, who had the foresight many years ago to see this partnership and what it could become.”

Consequently, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership capacity, saying, “This is a deputy governor who has shown from day one that he is capable of leading; I urge Lagosians to support him as a man truly prepared for the responsibility of governing the state.”