Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement came after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat declared his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.
Addressing journalists, Sanwo-Olu said the decision was reached unanimously by stakeholders present.
“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state,” he said.
The governor described Hamzat as capable and experienced, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities.
“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 stated.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s working relationship with him over the past seven years, commending his dedication and character.
“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support,” he said.
The governor also credited President Bola Tinubu for their political journey.
“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.
Reaffirming his position, Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat was ready to take over leadership of the state.
“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one… we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state,” he said.
The governor noted that the endorsement followed consultations with party leaders and government officials.
“It’s been a very warm family meeting… it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked… for this job,” he said.
Hamzat has in recent weeks secured backing from prominent figures, including Mudashiru Obasa, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tokunbo Abiru, and Wale Edun.
Meanwhile, Obasa has shifted from an initial governorship ambition and is reportedly set to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Agege Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PrimeTimes Nigeria learnt that Obasa, who had nursed aspirations to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, intensified statewide political consultations by reviving the Mandate Group, a legacy political structure associated with President Bola Tinubu.
However, Obasa has taken a decisive turn after President Bola Tinubu, in consultation with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), reportedly settled on Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred governorship candidate.