Sanwo-Olu: Hamzat never betrayed my trust in seven years

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described his deputy and the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat, as a loyal partner who never betrayed his trust throughout their seven years working together.

Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, said he was particularly qualified to testify about Hamzat’s character because of their close working relationship, which allowed him to observe the deputy governor beyond public appearances and official engagements.

Recalling their political journey, the governor said Hamzat sacrificed his governorship ambition in 2018 after leaders of the All Progressives Congress appealed to him to step aside for Sanwo-Olu.

He explained that Hamzat remained supportive throughout some of the administration’s most challenging moments, including the coronavirus pandemic and the aftermath of the October 2020 EndSARS protests.

According to Sanwo-Olu, his deputy also played significant roles in the planning and execution of major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line rail projects.

He noted that Hamzat’s contributions were not limited to public ceremonies and project commissioning, as he participated in the technical discussions, planning processes and engagements with contractors.

The governor said the deputy governor’s loyalty had helped maintain unity within the administration, adding that there had never been a moment when he questioned whose side Hamzat was on.

Sanwo-Olu consequently described Hamzat as a leader who prepares rather than performs, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain the state’s development.