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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat Hails Sanwo-Olu's Endorsement for 2027 Governorship Bid

From The Punch · (9m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has received an endorsement from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the 2027 governorship election.
  • Hamzat declared his intention to contest the governorship seat before state executive council members and party leaders.
  • Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as prepared and capable, calling the endorsement a unanimous decision by stakeholders.

In a significant political development in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement, announced after a closed-door meeting at the State House, Marina, signals an early alignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the state gears up for the next electoral cycle.

Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

โ€” Dr Obafemi HamzatDeputy Governor expressing gratitude for Governor Sanwo-Olu's endorsement.

Hamzat, who formally declared his ambition to contest the governorship seat, expressed his honor and gratitude for Governor Sanwo-Olu's trust. He emphasized his commitment to building upon the progress achieved during their joint tenure, pledging to serve Lagosians with integrity and purpose. The deputy governor's message on X highlighted the strong working relationship he shares with Sanwo-Olu, underscoring the continuity and experience he aims to bring to the top office.

His trust means a great deal to me. Weโ€™ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I donโ€™t take this vote of confidence lightly.

โ€” Dr Obafemi HamzatDeputy Governor acknowledging the significance of the endorsement and their working relationship.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision, praising Hamzat's preparedness and capability to lead the state. He noted that Hamzat 'knows where all the rooms in the house are,' implying a deep understanding of governance and the state's affairs. This early consolidation of support, also reportedly backed by influential figures like the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Governor Babatunde Fashola, suggests a strategic move by the APC to present a united front and preempt internal competition. For Lagos, this development sets the stage for a potentially smooth transition, should Hamzat secure the party's nomination and subsequently win the election, building on the existing administrative framework.

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.

โ€” Governor Babajide Sanwo-OluGovernor Sanwo-Olu announcing Hamzat's intention to contest and the subsequent endorsement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.