Insiders Tell Beloved Dep Gov Hamzat’s Chances Of Succeeding Sanwo-Olu

Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, the beloved Deputy Governor of Lagos State, is on the list of those likely to take over from his principal, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2027.

Based on constitutional stipulations, Sanwo-Olu, who finishes his second term on May 29, 2024, is ineligible to contest again.

Hamzat is on the list that features other powerful players with strong roots in party and local politics, including those serving in the Presidency.

Gospellers of his ambition say the well-liked politician, who declared interest in the governorship position of Lagos State in 2019—his groundswell support forcing a political negotiation that earned him the ticket as a second-term serving deputy governor—has strong chances.

An establishment figure, he has vast administrative and political experience, giving him a strong edge.

He was a pivotal former Commissioner for Science and Technology, whose footprint includes changing the face of data and record-keeping in Lagos State with the application of modern technology in state ministries. The move saved the state huge funds by eradicating the crippling issue of “ghost workers.”

The 60-year-old was appointed Commissioner for Science and Technology in 2005—during the last leg of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s tenure as a two-term Governor—and retained the position through the first term of Babatunde Fashola.

His appointment as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in the second term of Fashola’s tenure (2011 to 2015) elevated him to the heartbeat of the latter’s legacy in infrastructure rehabilitation and pivotal road-network creation, which catered to environmental issues, including the fearsome flooding.

The son of one of the most respected politicians of his time, the late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat, the Deputy Governor enjoys close ties with the leadership of his party.

“He is a thorough-bred team player who is not just well-connected to President Tinubu and influential players within his camp, but also has friends across other political structures within the APC (All Progressives Congress) in Lagos State,” sources say.

Before he became a traditional ruler, the late Oba Hamzat, who was once a state lawmaker and Commissioner for Transportation, was a formidable politician whose influence and reach extended beyond Lagos. He was the Vice Chairman (South West) of the then Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The unassuming Deputy Governor is deemed the inheritor of this structure.

Another major advantage said to be working for the politician, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, is his skill set as a technocrat.

His background in engineering and governance—particularly infrastructure and urban development—is said to have been tremendous in helping Governor Sanwo-Olu run a successful administration without being a threat.

Described as “a genius, team player, and brilliant administrator” by Sanwo-Olu on his birthday, Hamzat has intentionally stayed low-profile to avoid taking the shine of the administration’s successes from the Governor.

“So, there is a strong argument for continuity as part of efforts for Hamzat to succeed Sanwo-Olu. He knows the job, is very competent, has been a strong team player, and everybody finds him very relatable—even when he is not on the same page with you. There are also pushes for the Deputy Governor to become Governor based on the need to ensure a seamless transition that would not rock the boat, given the strong possibility of President Tinubu seeking a second term. It was the same play that gave Sanwo-Olu his second term in office,” insiders say.

But added checks revealed that despite the strong push, it is not all bed of roses for Hamzat.

In other quarters, his extended close rapport with Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu is being slanted as a disadvantage by those pushing for a breath of fresh air—a change from the current political structure at the top.

“Even within his party, there are those who see him as one of the regulars and want a different face from the usual people. He has been at the top level of governance in Lagos State since the days of Tinubu as Governor, except for Ambode’s term. People are agitating for new faces, especially in these days of agitation to give young people a chance,” is the thrust of key opposition against Hamzat’s candidacy as a possible Governor.

Akinwunmi Ambode succeeded Fashola as Governor of Lagos State and went down as the only person to serve a single term (2015 to 2019) since Tinubu was Governor.

Hamzat was Special Adviser to Fashola, who was the Minister of Works, Power, and Housing during that time.

He resigned the appointment in 2018 to contest the 2019 Lagos State gubernatorial election, which earned him the Deputy Governor seat.

Although his seemingly intentional subdued visibility is also seen as a disadvantage in some quarters (mischievously termed as weakness), many others insist he stands a good chance of becoming the next Governor of Lagos State as things stand.