Sanwo-Olu backs Hamzat, says Lagos needs leadership continuity
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor, saying the state needs experienced leadership to sustain ongoing projects and its long-term development plan.
Sanwo-Olu made the position known while highlighting Hamzat’s record in public service, infrastructure development and digital governance in Lagos.
He said that Lagos could not afford to experiment with leadership at a critical stage of its development.
“Critics say Lagos keeps choosing from the same pool. I say Lagos trains its people. With major projects underway and a master plan stretching to 2052, this is not the time to experiment,” the governor said.
He recalled that Hamzat had sought the governorship in 2018 but stepped aside after party leaders expressed their preference for Sanwo-Olu, later agreeing to serve as his running mate.
“Back in September 2018, Femi Hamzat wanted to be governor of Lagos State.
He had 13 years of public service under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, with the record and backing to win. Then party leaders asked him to step aside for me.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat’s contributions to successive administrations, citing his engineering background, involvement in the development of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge under Fashola and role in government digitalisation under Tinubu.
He described their partnership since assuming office in 2019 as cordial and productive, saying they had worked towards a common goal throughout their seven years in government.
“As my deputy for seven years, we have had one government, one direction and one voice,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged Hamzat to remain attentive to the people’s needs, sustain the pace of development and ensure effective governance if elected.
“Lagos does not hand the baton to a man standing still. Today, you have seen the man who is already running. Let us move forward together with The Lagos Promise,” he said.
In his manifesto, titled My Lagos Promise, Hamzat pledged to build on the state’s existing development efforts, declaring, “I will build the Lagos that works”.
He also promised to make accountability a priority from his first 100 days in office and implement 100 projects under a seven-point agenda, with 87 to be delivered using the state’s available resources.
Hamzat is the son of Alhaji Olatunji Hamzat, who served as a commissioner during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
