Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, was asked by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to withdraw from the 2018 governorship race to allow him emerge as the party's candidate. Sanwo-Olu made this disclosure while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the presentation of Hamzat's governorship manifesto at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat had been interested in becoming governor and had the experience, political support, and public service record to pursue the ambition. In September 2018, Hamzat wanted to be Governor of Lagos State, having earned the right to want it after being in public service for thirteen years under Asiwaju and under Fashola. He had the record, the mind, and the support to make his case and was in the race to win.
Sanwo-Olu revealed that the leaders of the APC asked Hamzat to step aside for him, and Hamzat accepted the party leaders' decision, shook his hand, and subsequently agreed to become his running mate about five weeks later. The governor described Hamzat's decision as evidence of loyalty, political maturity, and commitment to the interests of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu said his decision to publicly endorse Hamzat was informed by their seven years of working together, during which he witnessed the deputy governor's character and contributions beyond what could be captured in his official résumé. He described Hamzat as a dependable partner who remained committed to the administration's objectives during major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2020 crisis, and the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
The governor credited Hamzat with playing significant roles in the delivery of the Blue Line and Red Line rail projects and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, saying the deputy governor was involved in planning and implementation. Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat for maintaining a cordial working relationship with him, saying their administration had avoided the political disagreements and public disputes that have characterised relationships between governors and their deputies in some states.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat's extensive experience in successive Lagos administrations, positioning him to sustain the state's development trajectory. He noted that Hamzat served as Commissioner for Science and Technology under former Governor Bola Tinubu and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Babatunde Fashola before becoming deputy governor in 2019.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents to assess Hamzat's manifesto against his record in public service and decide whether his experience working alongside the governor made him better prepared to lead the state. With seven months left in office, Sanwo-Olu described a peaceful transfer of power as one of the most significant achievements of his administration, saying Lagos is going to change governors without a quarrel.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu reveals that Hamzat was asked by APC leaders to step aside from the 2018 governorship race.
- Hamzat accepted the party leaders' decision and became Sanwo-Olu's running mate.
- Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat, citing their seven years of working together and Hamzat's contributions to the administration's objectives.
