Sanwo-Olu Promotes Hamzat's Candidacy for Lagos Governorship

On October 30, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered a significant address during the unveiling of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat's governorship manifesto. The event transcended typical political promises, focusing on themes of political succession and institutional continuity for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship elections.

Sanwo-Olu began his speech by reflecting on the 2018 APC governorship contest and Hamzat's prior withdrawal in his favor, establishing a historical context for Hamzat's candidacy. He emphasized Hamzat's extensive experience in governance, using the phrase “He was in the room” to connect various historical events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and significant infrastructure decisions.

The campaign theme, “Lagos… Forward Together,” was framed as a continuation of existing programs rather than a departure from the past. Sanwo-Olu also introduced a relay-race analogy to illustrate the importance of experience in governance, arguing against the notion of handing over leadership to someone unacquainted with the system.