Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday openly backed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
The announcement followed a closed-door meeting held at the Lagos House in Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest for the state’s top job. The meeting brought together members of the State Executive Council, key leaders of the ruling party, and influential stakeholders in the state.
Among those present were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former lawmaker Ganiyu Solomon, alongside other party chieftains.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement of his deputy as a unanimous decision reached by those present. He said the gathering was more like a family meeting where leaders discussed the future of the state and agreed on the need for continuity.
According to the governor, Hamzat has shown capacity and readiness to lead Lagos, based on his performance and experience over the years.
“We just received the deputy governor, who came with a strong delegation of leaders to inform us of his intention to contest for the governorship position,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“It was a unanimous decision by all of us that he is fit and well prepared for the job. He understands the system and knows how the government works.”
Sanwo-Olu, who is serving his second term as governor, highlighted his working relationship with Hamzat over the past seven years. He said the deputy governor has demonstrated qualities such as loyalty, commitment, and integrity.
“He has worked with me at the highest level. He has shown loyalty, strong commitment, and support for the vision of this administration. I feel honoured that he chose to inform me first about his ambition,” the governor added.
The governor also acknowledged the role of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a key figure in shaping the political journey of both himself and Hamzat. He noted that the relationship between them and their rise in Lagos politics can be traced to the leadership and influence of the president.
“We thank our father and leader, Mr President, who saw the vision and helped build this path. What we are seeing today is part of that long-term plan,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Describing his deputy as fully prepared for leadership, the governor said Hamzat has always had the qualities needed to govern the state.
“This is a deputy governor who has been ready from day one. He has been built for this job, and we believe he deserves the opportunity to lead Lagos,” he said.
The endorsement is seen by many political observers as an early signal of succession planning within the ruling party in Lagos State. Although the 2027 election is still some time away, the move suggests that consultations and alignments are already taking shape.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center and most populous state, plays a key role in national politics. The governorship seat is often keenly contested, and decisions within the dominant political structure in the state usually have a strong influence on the outcome of elections.
Over the years, Lagos has maintained a pattern of political continuity, especially within the ruling party, where outgoing governors often support preferred successors. This trend has contributed to policy stability and continuity in governance, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, and urban development.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is widely seen as a technocrat with experience in both public service and governance. Before becoming deputy governor, he held positions in the state government, including commissioner roles, where he was involved in key sectors.
Supporters of his ambition believe that his experience and familiarity with the workings of government give him an advantage. They argue that he has been part of major decisions taken by the current administration and understands the challenges facing the state.
However, political analysts note that while endorsement by a sitting governor carries weight, it does not automatically guarantee victory at the polls. Other aspirants may still emerge within the party, and opposition parties are also expected to field candidates.
The closed-door meeting at Lagos House was described by the governor as part of a wider consultation process involving party leaders and stakeholders. He emphasised that the decision to support Hamzat was not taken lightly but followed discussions and agreement among those present.
“It was a warm meeting where we spoke openly. At the end, everyone agreed that he is ready and capable. This is not just my decision; it is a collective one,” Sanwo-Olu said.
For many residents of Lagos, the focus remains on governance and service delivery. Issues such as traffic congestion, housing, security, and job creation continue to dominate public discourse.
As the political process towards 2027 gradually begins, attention is expected to shift to how candidates plan to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for residents.
For now, Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement has set the tone for what may become a major political contest in the coming years. It also signals the beginning of open discussions about who will take over leadership in one of Nigeria’s most important states.
With Hamzat now formally declaring his ambition and receiving strong backing from the governor and party leaders, the stage appears set for early political positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election.