Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday openly backed his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship race, describing him as the “best man for the job” during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders held at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja.
The endorsement, which came amid growing political realignments within Lagos APC, was accompanied by prayers and personal goodwill messages from the governor, who wished Hamzat strength, peace, and divine support as he prepares for future leadership responsibilities.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed appreciation to party stakeholders for their continued loyalty and cooperation in steering the state’s development agenda.
“Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it available for you,” the governor said during the meeting.
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At the close of the gathering, Sanwo-Olu reportedly embraced his deputy and raised his hand before party leaders in a symbolic gesture widely interpreted as a strong political signal of succession backing.
The development comes against the backdrop of increasing political consultations and endorsements for Hamzat ahead of the 2027 elections, with several APC stakeholders already projecting him as a frontrunner for the party’s ticket.
Observers say the governor’s public show of support is significant, given Lagos politics’ tradition of consensus-building among top party structures, particularly within the APC hierarchy and advisory networks.
However, some political actors have cautioned that the process is still unfolding. A former governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), recently noted that no final decision has been made by the party leadership regarding its flagbearer, stressing that internal consultations are still ongoing.
Despite such reservations, Hamzat’s profile within the ruling party continues to gain traction, bolstered by endorsements from key political figures and party stalwarts, further shaping what is increasingly becoming a competitive succession narrative in Lagos ahead of 2027.