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| (L - R) Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat Sanwo-Olu endorses Obafemi Hamzat as successor |
· Sanwo-Olu’s Reasons for Supporting Hamzat
· Political Implications for APC and Lagos
· Reactions from Party Members and Stakeholders
·
What This Means for 2027
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially endorsed his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election. This endorsement, made during a closed-door meeting with party leaders, signals a strong alignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and positions Hamzat as the frontrunner for the party’s ticket.
Background of
the Endorsement
On April 27, 2026, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced his support for Hamzat at Lagos House, Marina, after Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council, the Governor’s Advisory Council, and prominent APC leaders such as Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon. Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision among stakeholders, emphasizing Hamzat’s preparedness and capability to lead Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu’s
Reasons for Endorsement
Sanwo-Olu
highlighted several qualities that influenced his decision:
-
Experience and Loyalty: Hamzat has served as deputy governor since 2019,
working closely with Sanwo-Olu for over seven years. He was praised for his
integrity, loyalty, and commitment.
-
Institutional Knowledge: Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as someone who “knows where
all the rooms in the house are,” underscoring his deep understanding of Lagos
governance structures.
- Support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Sanwo-Olu credited Tinubu for identifying and nurturing both his and Hamzat’s leadership potential, framing the endorsement as part of a broader political vision.
