The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has recalled how his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, set aside his governorship ambition in 2018 to become his running mate following appeals by party leaders.
Sanwo-Olu recounted the political development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, October 30, 2026, while reflecting on his seven-year working relationship with Hamzat and endorsing him for the Lagos governorship in 2027.
According to the governor, Hamzat had spent 13 years in public service under Bola Tinubu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola before party leaders asked him to step aside for Sanwo-Olu.
He described Hamzat’s decision as an uncommon demonstration of character, noting that his deputy accepted the arrangement without resentment and agreed to run alongside him five weeks later.
“It takes a rare man to put down what he wants without nursing a grudge. Femi shook my hand and five weeks later, agreed to run beside me. I have never forgotten that,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.
The governor praised Hamzat’s loyalty and contributions to his administration, saying their seven-year partnership had been characterised by unity of purpose and mutual commitment.
He recalled their collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of the Blue and Red rail lines, and the opening of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, noting that Hamzat was involved in critical decisions surrounding major projects.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted Hamzat’s professional background, citing his role in the construction of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge under Fashola’s administration, his involvement in the digitisation of government under Tinubu, and his doctorate in engineering.
He described Lagos governance as a relay race, saying the state had maintained a tradition of leadership continuity from Tinubu to Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and his administration.
He argued that Lagos should sustain the development trajectory, particularly with major projects underway and a master plan extending to 2052.
Addressing criticisms that the state continues to draw its leaders from the same political circle, Sanwo-Olu maintained that Lagos develops and prepares its own people for leadership.
He described Hamzat’s potential emergence as governor as the continuation of an established development agenda rather than an entirely new political direction.
“What Femi presents today is not a campaign promise cooked up on a bus, it is the next leg of a race we have been running since 1999,” the governor stated.
He reiterated that Hamzat is a leader already familiar with the demands of governing Lagos and urged residents to embrace what he called “The Lagos PROMISE.”
