Lagos APC Unveils Super Team: Hamzat Is Sanwo-Olu’s Running Mate

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday unveiled what it described as a super team with former Works Commissioner Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as running mate to its governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Describing the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket as a “super team,” the chairman of the party, Tunde Balogun, described them as the pride of the state, adding that they will jointly and harmoniously work for the interest of the state.

At a brief ceremony at the party secretariat along Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Balogun presented Hamzat, a technocrat-turned politician, to reporters, amid cheers by selected party leaders. The event was witnessed by the deputy chairman, Prince Sunny Ajose, vice chairman (East District) Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, the secretary, Dr. Wale Ahmed and publicity secretary Comrade Joe Igbokwe.

The deputy governorship candidate, who holds a doctorate degree in Engineering, is the son of the Second Republic legislator and Transport Commissioner, Alhaji Olatunji Hamzat. He is a former Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Works, and until recently, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

In 2015, Hamzat unfolded a governorship ambition. At the primary, which Governor Akinwunmi Ambode won, he can second. Two months ago, he also stepped down for Sanwo-Olu, ahead of the primary. Many party chieftains who hailed his emergence as running mate described him as an astute scholar with an intimidating credentials and workaholic politician who usually paid attention to details.

Balogun congratulated Hamzat, noting that he has been endorsed for the position by the apex leaders and stakeholders of the party across the pre-existing 20 local governments.

He said: “The highest decision making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and all the stakeholders have endorsed Dr. Obafemi Akadiri Hamzat as running mate to our governorship candidate, Mr. Babjide Sanwo-Olu.

“After the endorsement, it is important for me to publicly and officially present Dr.Hamzat as running mate to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our governorship candidate for the 2019 election. It is my delight and pleasure to present Dr. Hamzat.”

Hailing the decision of the party leadership, Sanwo-Olu said: “It is heart warming and gratifying that the party has endorsed Dr. Hamzat as my running mate.”

He described him as his “friend and brother” for two decades, adding that he is a man of intellect, knowledge and integrity.

Sanwo-Olu stressed: “He is an ally, a confidant. Together, we will take Lagos to a greater height. He is a graduate from the University of Ibadan and he has worked in national and multi-national organisations in United States, Oando; and he has served as commissioner for science and technology, and works and infrastructure. He is a thorough technocrat and a politician. He has worked in the private sector; a fine gentlemen. Lagos will be better for it with him as my running mate.”

Replying, Hamzat thanked Sanwo-Olu and the party leadership for bestowing the honour on him, saying that he is extremely gratified by their decision.

Waxing philosophical, he said while human beings may have intentions, it is only God who can allow them to come to fruition. He promised to work for a better Lagos as running mate to the flag bearer.

Hamzat said: “:Lagos is dear to all of us. The survival of the black nations in the world revolves around Nigeria and Lagos is critical to Nigeria. The world is a global village. What is done in Lagos affects the world.”

The running mate said Sanwo-Olu is fit to be governor, stressing that he is a man of integrity, capability and experience required for the job.

He added: “I feel a sense of responsibility and honour to have been selected. We have the same chemistry. We understand the geography of Lagos. Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and myself understands what it takes to cook what Lagos will eat. We will take Lagos to the next level.

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