Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep appreciation for his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, highlighting a pivotal moment in their political journey back in 2018. Sanwo-Olu recounted how Hamzat, despite being a strong contender for the governorship, chose to step aside and support him after discussions with party leaders.

In a recent post on his X account, Sanwo-Olu detailed how Hamzat had the necessary experience and political backing to run for governor but ultimately agreed to be his running mate just five weeks after withdrawing from the race. He described Hamzat’s decision as a rare act of selflessness that has left a lasting impression on him. "It takes a rare man to put down what he wants without nursing a grudge," Sanwo-Olu wrote, emphasizing the significance of Hamzat's support.

Reflecting on their partnership since taking office in 2019, Sanwo-Olu noted that he has spent 2,711 days working alongside Hamzat without ever questioning his loyalty. He pointed out that in many states, deputy governors often remain in the background, but Hamzat committed from the outset to be the best deputy governor in Lagos history. "We have had one government, one direction, and one voice," Sanwo-Olu stated, underscoring the unity in their administration.

Sanwo-Olu also credited Hamzat for his contributions to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for playing a key role in major infrastructure projects, including the Blue and Red rail lines and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. His engineering background has been instrumental in ensuring that technical aspects of projects are thoroughly examined before completion.

The governor highlighted Hamzat’s extensive public service experience, which includes serving as commissioner for Science and Technology and for Works and Infrastructure under previous administrations. He remarked, "Lagos runs on a relay system. The baton is never passed to a runner standing still. You run at full speed inside the exchange zone, together, before the pass."

As Hamzat gears up for the 2027 governorship election, he recently presented his manifesto titled The Lagos PROMISE. Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents to support his deputy, framing Hamzat's candidacy as a continuation of the leadership transition that has been ongoing since 1999. He addressed criticisms regarding the selection of candidates from the same political pool, asserting that Lagos is a place that nurtures its leaders.

"With major projects underway and a master plan stretching to 2052, this is not the time to experiment. Today, you have seen the man who is already running. Let us move forward together with The Lagos PROMISE," Sanwo-Olu concluded, rallying support for Hamzat's upcoming campaign.