Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that he might not have become governor in 2019 without the decision of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, to step aside from the governorship race in 2018.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this while recounting how Hamzat abandoned his ambition following appeals from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), paving the way for him to emerge as the party’s candidate.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday while reflecting on their seven-year working relationship and endorsing Hamzat as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat had spent 13 years in public service under former Lagos governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola before the 2018 governorship contest. He said his deputy possessed the experience, political backing and public service record to pursue the position.
However, party leaders asked Hamzat to step aside in his favour, a request he eventually accepted.
Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat’s decision to relinquish his ambition without resentment was a demonstration of loyalty and political maturity that he had continued to appreciate.
“Back in September 2018, Femi Hamzat wanted to be Governor of Lagos State. He had thirteen years of public service under Asiwaju and BRF, with the record and backing to win. Then party leaders asked him to step aside for me,” the governor said.
He added that Hamzat shook his hand and agreed to become his running mate about five weeks later.
Sanwo-Olu described the decision as a defining moment in their relationship, saying their partnership had remained stable throughout their time in office.
He said the administration had operated with a common purpose and direction, with Hamzat playing an active role in governance rather than serving merely as a deputy.
“In seven years, there has not been a single day I wondered whose side he was on. We have had one government, one direction, and one voice,” he stated.
The governor also highlighted Hamzat’s contributions to the state’s development, citing his involvement in major infrastructure projects, including the Blue and Red rail lines and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
He noted that Hamzat previously served as commissioner for Science and Technology under Tinubu and commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola.
Sanwo-Olu also recalled Hamzat’s role in the construction of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and the digitisation of government processes in Lagos.
Describing political succession in the state as a relay race, the governor argued that successive administrations should build on existing achievements rather than abandon ongoing projects.
He maintained that Hamzat’s experience across successive administrations had given him an understanding of Lagos State’s development priorities.
The governor’s remarks came as Hamzat unveiled his governorship manifesto, tagged “The Lagos PROMISE,” ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents to support his deputy, arguing that the state needed continuity in the implementation of major projects and its long-term development plans.
He said the transition to a new administration should preserve the progress already made while allowing the incoming government to address emerging challenges.
Hamzat, who served as deputy governor from 2019, is the APC’s candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
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