Juliet Ezeh
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has openly endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election, in what analysts describe as a major early power alignment within the state’s political structure.
The announcement, made on Monday after a high-level closed-door meeting at Lagos House in Marina, marks one of the earliest public endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections and signals a strategic consolidation of influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
Hamzat had formally declared his intention to run for governor during the meeting, which brought together members of the Lagos State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential stakeholders. Among those present were members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, underscoring the weight of political backing behind the move.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision, emphasizing that Hamzat possesses the competence and experience required to lead Lagos.
“We just received Mr Deputy Governor, who came with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to formally inform us of his intention to contest for the governorship position,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to him, the gathering quickly evolved into a consensus-building session, with stakeholders aligning behind Hamzat’s candidacy without opposition.
“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 added, suggesting Hamzat’s deep familiarity with the workings of government.
Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement is particularly significant given Lagos State’s central role in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. As the country’s commercial hub, Lagos often sets the tone for political trends, making any early alignment within its ruling party a subject of national interest.
The governor highlighted Hamzat’s performance over the past seven years, describing him as a dependable partner who has consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to governance.
“He is a man who has worked with me at the highest level of integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support. I feel personally honoured and privileged that he has given me this honour to inform me,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Observers note that the public nature of the endorsement could effectively narrow the field of potential contenders within the APC, discouraging internal rivalry and strengthening party unity ahead of what is expected to be a competitive election cycle.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in shaping the political trajectory that led to both his administration and Hamzat’s emergence as a key figure in Lagos governance.
“We thank our father and leader, Mr President, who saw the vision… that long run is what is already being manifested here today,” the governor stated, linking the endorsement to a broader political continuity associated with Tinubu’s leadership.
This reference reinforces longstanding perceptions of Lagos politics as being closely tied to Tinubu’s political network, often described as a decisive force in determining leadership succession within the state.
Sanwo-Olu further described Hamzat as someone who has been prepared for leadership over time, noting that his experience in governance positions him as a natural successor.
“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 run this state,” he said.
Political analysts suggest that such a strong endorsement, coming this early, is not merely symbolic but strategic. By rallying stakeholders around a single candidate, the APC in Lagos may be attempting to avoid the kind of internal divisions that have affected party cohesion in other states.
The meeting itself was framed by the governor as a consultative and inclusive process, involving a wide spectrum of party leaders and government officials. He emphasized that the decision to back Hamzat was the result of broad agreement rather than unilateral imposition.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
For Hamzat, the endorsement represents a significant boost to his political ambitions. Having served as deputy governor since 2019, he has maintained a relatively low-profile but influential role in the administration, often focusing on policy implementation and governance support.
His background in technology and public service, combined with his long-standing involvement in Lagos politics, positions him as a candidate with both administrative experience and political credibility.
However, while the endorsement strengthens his prospects within the APC, it does not automatically guarantee his emergence as the party’s candidate. Party primaries and internal dynamics will still play a crucial role in determining the final ticket.
Beyond the APC, opposition parties are also expected to intensify their preparations as the 2027 elections approach. Lagos, despite being an APC stronghold, has witnessed increasingly competitive elections in recent years, indicating a shifting political landscape.
The early endorsement could therefore be seen as a preemptive move to consolidate support and maintain the party’s dominance in the state.
As political activities gradually gather momentum nationwide, the Lagos development highlights how succession planning and strategic endorsements are already shaping the contours of the 2027 elections.
For now, Sanwo-Olu’s declaration has set the stage for what could become a defining political contest, not just for Lagos State but for Nigeria’s broader democratic landscape.
With stakeholders aligning early and signals of continuity becoming clearer, the race for Lagos 2027 has effectively begun well ahead of the official campaign season.