Sanwo-Olu backs Hamzat, calls for Lagos continuity
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor, urging residents to sustain the state’s 27-year development trajectory by supporting continuity in governance.
Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as an experienced leader with the institutional knowledge, leadership skills and understanding required to consolidate Lagos’s achievements and take the state to greater heights.
*Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right), Kadri Hamzat (left).
Abimbola Joseph
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor, urging residents to sustain the state’s 27-year development trajectory by supporting continuity in governance.
Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as an experienced leader with the institutional knowledge, leadership skills and understanding required to consolidate Lagos’s achievements and take the state to greater heights.
The governor, who spoke while endorsing his deputy, said Hamzat had been a dependable partner throughout their seven years in office, noting that their relationship had remained free of the political disagreements that have undermined governance in other states.
“In seven years, there has not been one day when I have had to wonder whose side my deputy was on. You know how rare that is,” he said.
He traced Hamzat’s contributions to Lagos’s development to more than two decades ago, recalling his service as Commissioner for Science and Technology under former Governor Bola Tinubu and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Using a relay race as an analogy, Sanwo-Olu said successive administrations must build on the achievements of their predecessors rather than abandon ongoing projects.
“Lagos has been governed for 27 years. The next runner must start running before the baton reaches him. If the baton is dropped, the race will be lost,” he said.
The governor identified the expansion of the Blue and Red rail lines, the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, road infrastructure, housing, food security and logistics initiatives as key projects requiring sustained commitment.
He stressed that continuity in governance did not mean merely repeating the policies of previous administrations but completing ongoing projects, addressing existing shortcomings and introducing fresh initiatives to tackle emerging challenges.
Sanwo-Olu said he expected Hamzat to remain responsive to the needs of residents, complete projects initiated by the current administration and ensure that no development initiative was abandoned.
He also urged his supporters to take the campaign message to every part of the state, from Ikeja to Ikorodu, Badagry to Epe, and Lagos Island to Agege.
He encouraged residents to study the manifesto and assess candidates based on their experience, competence and capacity to deliver.
Citing the participation of more than 657,000 people in the May 21, 2026 election exercise across wards and local government areas, Sanwo-Olu called on supporters to intensify voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed confidence that Hamzat had the character, experience and understanding to sustain Lagos’s development, citing his commitment to inclusive governance, support for small businesses and equal opportunities for residents, regardless of their backgrounds.
“I have done my part. I have governed with him, worked closely with him and watched his commitment to Lagos. I believe he has the experience and understanding required to move the state forward. The rest, I believe, is in God’s hands,” he said. The governor also advocated greater political inclusion, particularly for Lagos West, young people and women, arguing that a broader political partnership would strengthen governance and safeguard the state’s development interests.
