Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, endorsed the governorship ambition of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race, during a meeting at the Lagos House, Marina.

The endorsement came after Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest during a closed-door session attended by members of the state executive council and key political figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Musiliu Obanikoro, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon and other party leaders.

Sanwo-Olu, while addressing journalists, described Hamzat as a capable and experienced leader who has earned the administration’s confidence after serving as deputy governor for seven years.

The governor added that Hamzat’s experience within the administration positions him as a ready successor, noting that his contributions to governance have been significant.

MEANWHILE, a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, operating under the umbrella of The Mandate Movement (TMM) in Oshodi/Isolo Constituencies 1 and 2, has rejected any attempt to impose candidates through undemocratic means, warning that it will resist efforts to manipulate the party structure for individual interests.

The group made this known yesterday, in a communiqué read by its leader and member of the GAC, Muraino Taiwo, following an emergency meeting held in the Ilasamaja area of Lagos State.

The group, however, accused the Justice Forum caucus of endorsing the sitting member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly without formally inviting leaders of TMM.

According to the group, it was neither informed nor invited to the alleged meeting despite being a prominent caucus within the party.

It, therefore, described the development as part of a recurring pattern aimed at sidelining its leadership.