Elegbede Abiodun
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Deputy Obafemi Hamzat suitable to succeed him after high-level stakeholder meeting.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly chosen his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship election, declaring him well-prepared and capable of leading the state after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina.
The endorsement came after Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat formally informed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the State Executive Council of his intention to contest the governorship seat, in a meeting attended by key political stakeholders and party leaders.
Prominent figures present included members of the Governor’s Advisory Council such as former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, alongside other senior political actors within the state structure.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking to journalists after the meeting, described the decision as unanimous among those present, stating that Obafemi Hamzat is fully equipped for the responsibilities of governing Lagos State.
He said the deputy governor possesses a strong understanding of the state’s administrative structure, adding that Hamzat is familiar with the workings of government at all levels.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu 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,” he added.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, noting that his influence played a key role in shaping both his own political journey and his working relationship with Hamzat.
The development marks a significant early alignment within Lagos’ political landscape ahead of the 2027 election cycle, signalling continuity within the current administration’s inner circle.
