SANWO-OLU’S ALLEGED ENDORSEMENT OF HAMZAT STIRS LAGOS 2027 POLITICS

 Speculation over the 2027 Lagos governorship race has intensified following reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu may be backing his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor.

The development has triggered fresh political conversations across Lagos, with growing signs that Hamzat’s ambition is gaining momentum within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although there has been no official public declaration from Governor Sanwo-Olu directly endorsing Hamzat, several influential political figures and party stakeholders have openly thrown their weight behind the deputy governor’s bid.

Former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru recently declared support for Hamzat’s governorship aspiration during separate political consultations in Lagos. 

Earlier, House of Representatives member James Faleke had also publicly endorsed Hamzat, urging APC supporters across Lagos to rally behind him ahead of the party’s primaries. 

Political observers believe the endorsements may signal broader internal party alignment ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, especially as Governor Sanwo-Olu approaches the end of his constitutionally permitted second term.

Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is seen by many party loyalists as a continuity candidate, given his long-standing role in the Sanwo-Olu administration and previous service in Lagos politics.

While reports by international broadcaster RFI suggested Sanwo-Olu may have indicated support for Hamzat, no formal statement from the governor’s office has yet confirmed such endorsement.

The Lagos APC governorship race is expected to attract strong interest in the coming months as consultations and alignments continue ahead of party primaries.