Sanwo-Olu reveals how Hamzat stepped down for him in 2018
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Abdullateef Fowewe
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has detailed how his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, abandoned his own governorship ambition in 2018 to make way for him, as he formally backed Hamzat’s bid to succeed him in 2027.
Speaking at the unveiling of Hamzat’s manifesto, The Lagos PROMISE, Sanwo-Olu said party leaders had asked Hamzat to step aside despite his strong credentials and backing.
“Back in September 2018, Femi Hamzat wanted to be Governor of Lagos State. He had thirteen years of public service under Asiwaju and BRF, with the record and backing to win. Then party leaders asked him to step aside for me.”
The governor said Hamzat’s response showed uncommon political maturity, recalling that the deputy governor agreed to become his running mate just five weeks later.
“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.”
Sanwo-Olu described their seven-year partnership as unusually cohesive, saying Hamzat was never a passive deputy but a central participant in major decisions and projects.
“In seven years, there has not been a single day I wondered whose side he was on. We have had one government, one direction, and one voice.”
He cited the COVID-19 response, the Blue and Red Line rail projects, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port as periods when Hamzat played an active role behind the scenes.
“Long before any ribbon was cut, he was asking the tough questions an engineer asks.”
The governor urged Lagosians to choose continuity, arguing that the state’s ongoing projects and long-term development plans require an experienced hand rather than a political newcomer.
“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,” said Sanwo-Olu.
He framed Hamzat’s candidacy as the next stage in a long APC-led governing chain, from Bola Tinubu to Bola Tinubu-era successors, Akinwunmi Ambode, and his own administration.
“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.”
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, unveiled a seven-pillar, 100-point manifesto at the event, positioning himself as the candidate to sustain and expand the state’s development agenda.
