Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The endorsement was announced after a closed‑door session at Lagos House in Marina, where Hamzat declared his intention to contest the governorship before members of the State Executive Council and senior party officials.
The meeting, attended by the Governor’s Advisory Council, included former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, former Lagos State Assembly Speaker Ganiyu Solomon, and other key stakeholders. Following the deliberations, Governor Sanwo‑Olu addressed the press, stating that the decision to back Hamzat was unanimous among those present.
“Mr. Deputy Governor arrived with a strong delegation of our leaders to inform us of his intention to run for the governorship,” Sanwo‑Olu said. “We all agreed that he is fit and well‑prepared for this job. He knows where all the rooms in the house are.”
Sanwo‑Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience as deputy governor and his familiarity with the state’s administrative structure as evidence of his suitability for the top post. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, noting the president’s role in fostering the working relationship between the governor and his deputy.
Obafemi Hamzat, who has served as Lagos State Deputy Governor since 2023, has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. Prior to his current role, he held the position of Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he oversaw major road and bridge projects. His tenure as deputy governor has been marked by involvement in urban development initiatives and the implementation of digital governance tools.
The endorsement comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins internal preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle. Party leaders are expected to formalise the candidate selection process later this year, with potential primaries to determine the final ticket for the governorship race.
Political analysts note that Sanwo‑Olu’s backing of Hamzat may signal continuity in policy direction and a desire to maintain the current administration’s developmental agenda. The endorsement also positions Hamzat as a front‑runner within the APC, although other aspirants may still emerge as the primary election approaches.
The announcement adds a definitive dimension to Lagos State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, where the governorship race is expected to attract significant national attention. Stakeholders will now monitor how the endorsement influences party dynamics, campaign strategies, and voter sentiment as the electoral calendar advances.
