Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed appreciation following his endorsement by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Sanwo-Olu announced his support on Monday after a meeting held at the Lagos House in Marina. The gathering brought together members of the State Executive Council and top figures within the All Progressives Congress. During the session, Hamzat formally informed party leaders of his intention to contest for the state’s top office.
The meeting also had in attendance members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon.
Reacting to the development, Hamzat shared a message on X, stating: “Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence lightly.
“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose.”
Hamzat is one of several aspirants seeking the APC ticket for the 2027 election. Others in the race include Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, and Dr. Samuel Ajose, also called SMA Gold, who are also consulting with party stakeholders.
There are indications that Hamzat could emerge as the party’s consensus candidate, following backing from key political figures. Among those who have supported his bid are the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, alongside members of the Justice Forum.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as one reached collectively by party leaders present. He said Hamzat possesses the capacity and readiness to lead the state.
“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.
“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.”
The governor pointed to Hamzat’s experience over the past seven years, citing his “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support” as key attributes.
“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, support, and so I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his role in 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.
Reinforcing his position, the governor described Hamzat as well-prepared for leadership.
“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one, this is a man that has been built for this job, and we believe that he deserves to be given a chance to go and run this state.”
He added that the endorsement followed wide consultations among party leaders and government officials.
“It’s been a very warm family meeting, and at the end of the day, it was unanimous that Mr Deputy Governor is fit, ready, well baked… for this job,” he said.
The endorsement is seen as an early sign of alignment within the Lagos APC as political activities begin to gather pace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
