LAGOS — Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled his vision for the state, promising to prioritise improved quality of life, stronger security, better urban planning, and disciplined governance if elected governor.
Speaking in an interview, Hamzat described the office of the governor as that of a “captain” responsible for coordinating experts across government and ensuring that every policy directly improves the lives of residents.
“The job of the governor is to make sure that everything we do, from budgeting to implementation, improves the quality of life of Lagosians,” he said.
Hamzat said the outgoing Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration would focus on completing ongoing projects and policies before handing over, stressing that governance is a continuous process.
On his campaign plans, the APC candidate disclosed that his team had prepared an extensive manifesto spanning over 500 pages, which is currently being streamlined after consultations with market women, transport workers, professionals, academics and other stakeholders.
According to him, the document outlines phased development plans backed by realistic cost estimates, including a target of providing running water to at least 60 per cent of Lagos residents within the first two years of his administration.
He also pledged to strengthen security by expanding existing surveillance infrastructure and deploying technology to make the state safer.
“We will spend whatever is necessary to ensure Lagos is secure. People should be able to move freely and carry out their businesses at any time of the day,” he said.
Responding to claims that he is a strict leader, Hamzat insisted that discipline is essential for orderly development, adding that public infrastructure must be used for its intended purpose.
“When we build walkways, they should remain walkways. When we designate a place as a market, it should function as a market. Organisation and discipline are necessary for development,” he stated.
On his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, Hamzat dismissed suggestions that he would have felt betrayed if he had not secured the ticket, saying leadership is determined by God and that party decisions should be respected.
“There can only be one governor at a time. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, you move on,” he said.
He also denied reports of an agreement limiting him to a single term if elected.
Explaining the choice of his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, Hamzat said the party considered religious balance, gender inclusion, youth representation and geographical spread before making its decision.
Addressing post-primary grievances within the APC, he appealed to aggrieved members to remain patient, recalling that he stepped down during the 2019 governorship race after consultations with party leaders.
“If I had not listened then, perhaps today would not have come,” he noted.
The deputy governor also sought to downplay reported divisions between the Justice Forum and Mandate Movement blocs within the APC, insisting both groups share the same political philosophy and should remain united.
Asked whether he would confront influential political figures if necessary, Hamzat said persuasion and consensus-building were more effective than constant confrontation.
“You cannot fight everyone and expect to succeed. Leadership is about helping people understand the bigger picture,” he said.
On tackling street touts, illegal structures and blocked waterways, he stressed that strict adherence to the rule of law and improved organisation would remain central to his administration’s approach.
Hamzat also dismissed concerns about a possible rift with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after succession, describing the governor as a longtime friend and political ally.
“We have worked together for years. We may disagree on issues, but once decisions are made, we move forward,” he said.
He rejected the notion that deputy governors are merely “spare tyres,” arguing that Lagos deputy governors play active roles in supervising ministries and shaping policy.
Turning to national politics, Hamzat endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, arguing that the President is laying the foundations for long-term economic stability despite current hardships.
He also questioned the records of other opposition presidential hopefuls, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“The President is building the fundamentals. It may not be easy now, but I believe Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.
On the recurring problem of building collapses in Lagos, Hamzat said the state government was expanding its Certified Accreditors Programme to involve qualified private professionals in monitoring construction projects, adding that developers must be held accountable for structural failures.
He maintained that while monitoring every building in Lagos is challenging due to the state’s rapid growth, stricter certification and greater private-sector participation would help reduce the incidence of collapsed buildings.
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