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Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Governorship
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Governorship

From Vanguard · (8m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship.
  • Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as fit, prepared, and a man of integrity after seven years of working together.
  • The endorsement followed Hamzat's formal declaration of his intention to contest the governorship seat.

In a significant political development, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has publicly thrown his support behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 governorship race. This endorsement, captured in a widely circulated video, signals a strong backing for Hamzat's gubernatorial ambitions from the state's chief executive.

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€” Babajide Sanwo-OluSpeaking to newsmen after Hamzat's formal declaration of his intention to contest the governorship seat.

Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded Hamzat's capabilities, describing him as "fit, prepared, and capable" of leading the state. This assessment is based on their seven-year working relationship, during which Sanwo-Olu noted Hamzat's "integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support." The public display of endorsement, where Sanwo-Olu lifted Hamzat's hand in a gesture of support, was met with cheers from party leaders and stakeholders present at the event.

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.

โ€” Babajide Sanwo-OluDescribing Hamzat's readiness for the governorship after his declaration.

The formal declaration of Hamzat's intention to contest the governorship took place at a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina. This meeting included key members of the State Executive Council and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the decision for endorsement was unanimous among the stakeholders, highlighting Hamzat's deep understanding of the state's governance landscape.

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.

โ€” Babajide Sanwo-OluPraising Hamzat's character and expressing his personal honor at being informed of the ambition.

This endorsement is seen as a crucial step in solidifying Hamzat's position within the APC and positioning him as the frontrunner for the party's nomination. The public show of support from the incumbent governor is expected to galvanize party support and set the tone for the upcoming political contest in Lagos State.

Itโ€™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 bakedโ€ฆ for this job.

โ€” Babajide Sanwo-OluConcluding the meeting where Hamzat declared his intention to run for governor.
DistantNews Editorial

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