Lagos State Deputy Governor  has promised to lead with “integrity, focus, and a clear sense of purpose” if he emerges as governor in 2027, following an endorsement from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Hamzat, who has been consulting stakeholders across the state over his governorship bid, announced the endorsement on his X handle on Monday, posting pObafemi Hamzathotographs of the meeting.

“Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Hamzat wrote. “His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence lightly.

“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus, and a clear sense of purpose.”

Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement came at a meeting attended by members of the state executive council and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Local government and local council development area chairmen were also present.

At the event, held at Lagos House, Marina, on Monday, the governor expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to lead Nigeria’s commercial capital, describing him as “fit” and “ready” for the top job.

“And at the end of the day, with the consultation that we’re doing, it was unanimous with all of us in that room to say that the deputy governor is a man who’s fit and ready,” Sanwo-Olu told the gathering. “He’s been well baked. He’s been well-manicured. He’s been well ‘pepperonied’ for this job.”

The endorsement is the latest in a series of validations for Hamzat from key stakeholders ahead of next year’s elections. Over the weekend, the deputy governor visited Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, to seek his blessings for the exalted seat.

Gbajabiamila said Hamzat was well grounded in Lagos State politics and would need the support of APC leaders to win the governorship race. Chieftains of the party and other leaders attended the event.

Hamzat has served as Lagos State deputy governor since 2019.