Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for putting aside his own governorship ambition in 2018 to support his emergence as the All Progressives Congress candidate.
Titiansloaded reports that Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat had a strong record in public service and the political support needed to pursue the position, but accepted the request of party leaders to withdraw from the race.
In a post on X on Friday, the governor recalled that Hamzat agreed to become his running mate about five weeks after stepping down, describing the decision as an uncommon show of loyalty and selflessness.
Sanwo-Olu stated that Hamzat served for 13 years under Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, the former governors. The period preceded the 2018 contest.
He said the deputy governor’s willingness to support him without resentment was something he had continued to value.
Hamzat withdrew from the APC governorship primary in September 2018 and urged his supporters to back Sanwo-Olu.
Reflecting on their time in office since 2019, Sanwo-Olu said he had worked alongside Hamzat for 2,711 days. He had never doubted his deputy’s commitment to their administration.
The governor said Hamzat promised to be an effective deputy from the start. He fulfilled that pledge, and both leaders maintained a shared direction in government.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s role in the state’s COVID-19 response. He also cited major infrastructure projects, including the Blue and Red rail lines and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
He noted that Hamzat’s engineering background was useful for reviewing technical aspects of projects. His government experience contributed to key policy decisions.
The governor cited Hamzat’s work on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. He noted the digitisation of government processes.
Moreover, Hamzat’s service as commissioner for Science and Technology and for Works and Infrastructure was highlighted.
Sanwo-Olu’s remarks came as Hamzat unveiled his governorship manifesto, The Lagos PROMISE, ahead of the 2027 election.
Describing Lagos leadership as a gradual transition built on continuity, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to support Hamzat, saying the state’s ongoing projects and long-term development plan required experienced leadership.
