{
  "id": 17368040,
  "title": "How Hamzat stepped aside for me in 2018 — Sanwo-Olu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/how-hamzat-stepped-aside-for-me-in-2018-sanwo-olu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T08:38:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/how-hamzat-stepped-aside-for-me-in-2018-sanwo-olu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In September 2018, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recounted a remarkable moment when his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, stepped aside for him. Sanwo-Olu revealed that Hamzat, despite having the experience, political backing, and public service record to contest the governorship election, agreed to become the running mate. The governor emphasized the rare selflessness of Hamzat's decision, noting that he had never forgotten it. In a statement shared on his X account, Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat's rare act of selflessness.",
  "summary": "Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has recounted how his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, stepped aside for him to become governor in 2018 after party leaders inte Read More: https://punchng.com/how-hamzat-stepped-aside-for-me-in-2018-sanwo-olu/",
  "key_points": [
    "Obafemi Hamzat stepped aside for Sanwo-Olu in 2018.",
    "Hamzat, deputy governor, became running mate.",
    "Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat's rare selflessness."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Hamzat's willingness to forgo a gubernatorial bid for a deputy role establishes a foundation of political loyalty and selflessness that defines the current leadership structure in Lagos State.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Sanwo-Olu: Hamzat Stepped Down for Me in 2018 without grudges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/sanwo-olu-hamzat-stepped-down-for-me-in-2018-without-grudges",
        "published": "2026-10-31T10:34:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}