Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu credits Deputy Hamzat for stepping aside in 2018 and praises his seven‑year tenure

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu used his X account on 31 October 2026 to recount how his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, abandoned a bid for the state’s governorship in September 2018 after party leaders asked him to step aside. Sanwo‑Olu said Hamzat, who had thirteen years of public‑service experience under former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, agreed to become his running mate about five weeks later and has served as deputy since the administration began in 2019.

The governor characterized Hamzat’s choice as an exceptional display of altruism, emphasizing his belief that the deputy has fulfilled an initial vow to become the most capable vice-governor in Lagos’s history. Sanwo-Olu made these remarks concurrent with Hamzat’s launch of the executive platform named 'The Lagos PROMISE – Ileri Eko' at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

Background

Sanwo‑Olu’s recollection aligns with earlier reports that Hamzat withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary in September 2018 and urged his supporters to back Sanwo‑Olu. The governor noted that Hamzat’s public‑service record included roles as Commissioner for Science and Technology under Tinubu, where he oversaw e‑governance initiatives, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola. After joining the ticket, Sanwo‑Olu and Hamzat have been in office together for 2,711 days, according to the governor’s post.

Throughout their seven-year collaboration, Sanwo-Olu attributed Hamzat’s participation to the state’s handling of the coronavirus crisis and major construction efforts, including the Blue and Red rail networks and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The governor also highlighted Hamzat’s engineering background, saying it enabled him to ask technical questions before project completion.

Why it matters

The governor’s praise underscores Hamzat’s political standing ahead of the February 6 2027 Lagos gubernatorial election, for which Sanwo‑Olu has publicly backed Hamzat as his successor. By emphasizing Hamzat’s loyalty and technocratic contributions, Sanwo‑Olu seeks to bolster public confidence in the deputy’s capacity to continue the administration’s agenda. The narrative also serves to contrast Hamzat’s active role with the more ceremonial deputy positions observed in other Nigerian states, suggesting a model of collaborative governance.

Sanwo‑Olu’s remarks may influence party dynamics within the APC, as the governor’s endorsement could sway delegates and voters who value continuity and the highlighted achievements in health crisis management and infrastructure development.

What happens next

Hamzat’s manifesto launch on 31 October 2026 signals the start of his campaign for the 2027 governorship. The Lagos electorate will decide on 6 February 2027 whether he will succeed Sanwo‑Olu. The governor’s statements indicate continued support for Hamzat’s candidacy, and the upcoming election will determine if the deputy’s record translates into electoral victory.