Pressure mounts on Sanwo-Olu to resign, handover to Deputy

Babajide Sanwo-Olu is reportedly under pressure to resign on health grounds amid a broader political recalibration in Lagos, with indications that his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, may be positioned to take over and complete the current administration’s tenure.

Sources within the presidency claim that Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key figures in his inner circle are dissatisfied with the current leadership in Lagos and have begun moves toward a possible transition.

According to the sources, the proposed arrangement would see Sanwo-Olu step down, allowing Hamzat to assume office and potentially emerge as a frontrunner for the 2027 governorship election.

While no official confirmation has been issued, the development points to deepening political tensions within Lagos, widely regarded as Tinubu’s strategic stronghold.

Sanwo-Olu has reportedly faced criticism within party circles over alleged insubordination and attempts to build independent political structures perceived to challenge Tinubu’s influence in the state.

The strained relationship is also linked to the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, particularly the impeachment and subsequent reinstatement of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Tinubu had intervened in the crisis, reportedly expressing concern over what he viewed as the Lagos executive’s involvement in the removal of Obasa, a move that led to the controversial reversal of the impeachment.

Further complicating the situation are allegations involving Aisha Achimugu, an associate of the governor who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering and criminal conspiracy.

Reports suggested that funds linked to Achimugu were traced to opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, a claim Atiku has strongly denied.

The controversy added to tensions between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, with insiders suggesting the president viewed the development as a political betrayal.

Additional friction reportedly arose over disputed land allocations in high-value areas such as Banana Island, with federal authorities launching investigations into alleged irregularities involving multiple companies and state-linked actors.

The situation has prompted analysts to interpret recent developments as part of a broader effort to reassert control over Lagos’ political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

If the reported transition materialises, it would mark a significant shift in Lagos politics, with implications for governance continuity, party dynamics, and the broader electoral landscape.

Credit: Sahara Reporters.

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