Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat for 2027 Lagos governorship

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship election, recalling that Hamzat stepped aside for him in the 2018 race at the request of All Progressives Congress leaders. Sanwo-Olu made the endorsement at Hamzat’s manifesto presentation, where he described the deputy governor’s candidacy as a continuation of the state’s approach to leadership transitions. Hamzat is the APC’s governorship candidate, according to reports of the event. The manifesto, titled The Lagos Promise, sets out priorities including healthcare, education, job creation, infrastructure, youth empowerment, security and inclusive governance. Recalling the 2018 contest, Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat had wanted to become governor and had the public-service experience and political support to pursue the role. He said party leaders asked Hamzat to withdraw in his favour, and that Hamzat agreed to become his running mate about five weeks later. That account of the party’s request and Hamzat’s decision comes from Sanwo-Olu. Sanwo-Olu said his seven years working with Hamzat had shown him the deputy governor’s character and loyalty. He...