By Stephen Simon
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, declaring that he could think of “no surer hands” to hand over the baton of leadership as the state prepares for the 2027 governorship election.
Sanwo-Olu made the declaration on Sunday at the unveiling and presentation of the visual documentary book, “Sanwo-Olu: Against All Odds, A Photo Story of Resilience in the Face of Adversity,” authored by his personal photographer, Ademola Olaniran, in Lagos. The event attracted top government officials, political associates, family members and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the governor’s public service journey.
Speaking during the presentation, the governor paid glowing tribute to Hamzat, describing him as a dependable partner who had remained steadfast throughout the administration’s journey. He said the deputy governor had earned the confidence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through years of loyalty, dedication and commitment to the development of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu declared: “To my brother and partner, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who has stood faithfully beside me through every season of this journey, and who now carries the confidence of our great party as its flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State — the relay I have spoken of tonight continues with you, and I can think of no surer hands for the baton.”
The governor noted that leadership is a relay in which every administration builds on the achievements of its predecessor, expressing confidence that Hamzat possesses the experience, competence and vision required to sustain the developmental strides recorded under the present administration.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the author of the book, Olaniran, and his collaborators for documenting the administration’s journey in office, describing the publication as a valuable historical record of governance, resilience and public service.
The endorsement is expected to further strengthen Hamzat’s position within the Lagos APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election, coming amid growing support for his candidacy from party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
Political observers say the governor’s public declaration has effectively reaffirmed Hamzat as his preferred successor and is likely to shape political alignments within the ruling party as preparations for the next governorship election gather momentum.
