{
  "id": 17368065,
  "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-17368065",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T08:38:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/how-hamzat-stepped-aside-for-me-in-2018-sanwo-olu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has highlighted the significant role played by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, in his administration. In a post on his X account, Sanwo-Olu recounted how Hamzat withdrew from the 2018 Lagos governorship race and subsequently agreed to become his running mate. The governor praised Hamzat's decision as a rare act of selflessness, noting that the deputy had the necessary experience, political backing, and public service record to contest the election on his own. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Hamzat never hesitated to take on the role, despite the potential for personal satisfaction. The governor further highlighted Hamzat's technical expertise, pointing to his engineering background and his involvement in key infrastructure projects, such as the Blue and Red rail lines and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. Hamzat's contributions to the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the digitization of government processes were also acknowledged. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of a loyal and dedicated deputy, stating that they had spent 2,711 days working together without questioning each other's loyalty. He further highlighted Hamzat's previous roles in public service, including his time as commissioner for Science and Technology and commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu concluded by praising Hamzat's ambition and encouraging Lagos residents to support his deputy in the upcoming 2027 governorship election.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}