Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu has recounted how his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, set aside his personal gubernatorial ambitions in September 2018 to back his emergence as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking through a public statement on his official social media channels, Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat's loyalty, noting that despite having robust political backing and extensive public service experience, his deputy accepted party directives without harboring any resentment.
According to the governor, Hamzat agreed to run alongside him as a running mate just five weeks after stepping down from the primary contest. Reflecting on their nearly seven years at the helm of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu stated that they have operated with absolute cohesion, maintaining a single administration with a unified direction and voice.
Why did Hamzat step aside in 2018?
Back in September 2018, Hamzat harbored strong intentions to contest the governorship seat, backed by thirteen years of accumulated public service experience under former governors. However, following consultations and directives from party leaders, he chose to step down in the interest of party unity and supported Sanwo-Olu's ticket.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that his deputy has played a pivotal role in driving the administration's policy objectives, particularly in managing the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and executing high-profile infrastructure projects. Leveraging his background in engineering, Hamzat contributed significantly to major developmental milestones, including the Blue and Red rail lines, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge developed during previous administrations.
What is next for the Lagos leadership transition?
The governor's reflections coincide with the official unveiling of Hamzat's gubernatorial manifesto, titled 'The Lagos PROMISE', ahead of the 2027 general elections. Urging residents of the state to throw their weight behind his deputy, Sanwo-Olu framed the ambition as a natural continuation of the state's progressive leadership framework that has subsisted since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
"Critics say Lagos keeps choosing from the same pool. I say Lagos trains its people. With major projects underway and a master plan stretching to 2052, this is not the time to experiment," Sanwo-Olu stated, rallying support for the continuity of governance in the commercial hub.