Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has shared the story of how Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, stepped down from his governorship ambition in 2018 to run alongside him. Sanwo-Olu described this decision as a demonstration of loyalty and selflessness. Hamzat, with 13 years of public service experience under former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, had the credentials and political backing to contest the governorship.
Sanwo-Olu recounted the events of September 2018, stating that Hamzat accepted the decision to step aside without bitterness and agreed to become his running mate just five weeks later. The governor praised Hamzat's character, saying it takes a rare individual to put aside their ambitions without nursing a grudge. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Hamzat's loyalty and commitment have been unwavering throughout their seven years of working together.
The governor highlighted their successful partnership, citing examples such as handling the COVID-19 pandemic, developing the Lagos Blue and Red rail lines, and opening the Lekki Deep Sea Port. Sanwo-Olu attributed Hamzat's engineering background and government experience to his active participation in major infrastructure projects. He also mentioned Hamzat's previous contributions, including constructing the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and digitizing government operations.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos governance as a relay race, where successive administrations build on predecessors' achievements. He argued that Hamzat's emergence as the APC's governorship candidate represents continuity in the state's development trajectory rather than an experiment with an inexperienced leader. The governor emphasized that Lagos trains its people and that the state's long-term master plan requires experienced leadership.
With seven months left in office, Sanwo-Olu urged Hamzat to preserve existing initiatives, address challenges, and introduce new policies where necessary. He advised that the greatest gift a governor can leave his people is to hand over to someone who will sustain progress. Hamzat unveiled 100 campaign pledges, with 87 firm commitments within the state government's powers and 13 aspirations dependent on wider consultations.
Hamzat's manifesto outlines priorities in child protection, nutrition, education, healthcare, public service reform, and economic development. He pledged to establish a public accountability framework within his first 100 days, including a service delivery office to track progress on campaign promises. Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Hamzat would sustain the state's development while building on achievements.
Other party officials, including former Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan and Lagos APC chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised Hamzat's capacity to lead the state, citing his experience in both public and private sectors. They emphasized the party's commitment to inclusive governance, economic growth, and consolidating achievements. The party members urged residents to support Hamzat's campaign.
Key points
- Hamzat's emergence as the APC's governorship candidate represents continuity in Lagos' development trajectory.
- Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat have worked together for seven years, building trust and a shared vision for Lagos.
- Hamzat has unveiled 100 campaign pledges, outlining priorities for the state's development.
