…Says 2027 Is Not A Time To Experiment But To Move Lagos Forward Together
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to Lagos residents to support the emergence of Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his successor in the 2027 governorship election, describing him as an experienced leader with the competence, institutional knowledge and commitment to sustain the state’s development.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal in a heartfelt message to Lagos residents, recalling how Hamzat put aside his governorship ambition in 2018 to support his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate ahead of the 2019 election.
According to the governor, Hamzat’s decision to step down and subsequently serve as his running mate demonstrated exceptional loyalty, selflessness and commitment to the collective interest of Lagos State.
Reflecting on their seven years of working together, Sanwo-Olu said he had witnessed Hamzat’s dedication, competence and contributions to governance, particularly during critical moments and the implementation of major infrastructure projects.
He highlighted Hamzat’s professional and administrative accomplishments, including his role in building the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and his contribution to the digitisation of government operations under the administration of former Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor also acknowledged Hamzat’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of the Lagos Blue and Red Rail Lines, and the opening of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Sanwo-Olu described his deputy as an exceptional partner who had consistently demonstrated loyalty, competence and a shared vision for the development of Lagos, noting that their administration had operated with one direction and a common purpose.
He further situated Hamzat’s emergence within Lagos State’s tradition of leadership succession, which he said had sustained continuity in governance across successive administrations since 1999.
Responding to criticisms that Lagos continues to draw its leadership from the same political circle, Sanwo-Olu argued that the state deliberately develops and prepares experienced leaders for higher responsibilities.
He maintained that with major infrastructure projects underway and a long-term development master plan extending to 2052, the state requires an experienced leader capable of consolidating existing achievements rather than experimenting with its future.
According to him, Hamzat’s vision, popularly presented as The Lagos Promise, represents a continuation of the development journey pursued by successive administrations.
Sanwo-Olu urged residents to rally behind Hamzat, stressing that the 2027 election presents an opportunity to sustain the state’s development trajectory and move Lagos forward together.
