How Hamzat Stepped Aside For Me In 2018 — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has recalled how his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stepped aside from the 2018 gubernatorial race following party leadership interventions, describing the move as a selfless political sacrifice that paved the way for their joint ticket.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Hamzat possessed the administrative experience, political backing, and public service credentials to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination at the time, yet chose to join him as running mate five weeks after withdrawing his ambition.

The governor shared these reflections on his official X handle on Friday, expressing gratitude for his deputy’s unalloyed loyalty throughout their administration.

“Back in September 2018, Femi Hamzat wanted to be Governor of Lagos State. He had thirteen years of public service under Asiwaju and BRF, with the record and backing to win. Then party leaders asked him to step aside for me,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

“It takes a rare man to put down what he wants without nursing a grudge. Femi shook my hand and five weeks later, agreed to run beside me. I have never forgotten that,” he added.

Hamzat officially stepped down from the contest in September 2018, directing his campaign structure and supporters to back Sanwo-Olu during the party primaries.

Reflecting on their governance track record since taking office in May 2019, Sanwo-Olu noted that across 2,711 days of working together, his deputy has demonstrated complete alignment with the administration’s vision.

“In many states, deputies are kept in reserve. On day one, Femi promised to be the best deputy governor in Lagos history. He kept his word. In seven years, there has not been a single day I wondered whose side he was on. We have had one government, one direction, and one voice,” the governor remarked.

Sanwo-Olu commended Hamzat’s technical contributions during critical state crises and major infrastructure developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic response, the construction of the Blue and Red rail lines, and the execution of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

He noted that Hamzat’s background as a doctor of engineering allowed the administration to rigorously evaluate complex public works projects prior to execution and delivery.

Highlighting his deputy’s public service pedigree, Sanwo-Olu recalled Hamzat’s previous roles as Commissioner for Science and Technology under former Governor Bola Tinubu and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.

“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. That is how Lagos has been governed for 27 years, from Asiwaju to BRF, to Ambode, to me,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

“Femi is a deputy governor like no other. He built the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge under Fashola, digitized government under Asiwaju and holds a doctorate in engineering. His father served Lateef Jakande. This is in his blood,” he added.

The governor’s statement coincides with the formal presentation of Hamzat’s 2027 governorship manifesto, titled The Lagos PROMISE, as he prepares to seek the party’s nomination for the state’s top position.

Endorsing his deputy’s bid as a natural continuation of the governance model established in 1999, Sanwo-Olu urged residents and party members to rally behind Hamzat ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

“Critics say Lagos keeps choosing from the same pool. I say Lagos trains its people. With major projects underway and a master plan stretching to 2052, this is not the time to experiment,” Sanwo-Olu declared.

“Lagos does not hand the baton to a man standing still. Today, you have seen the man who is already running. Let us move forward together with The Lagos PROMISE,” the governor concluded.