A coalition of Lagos indigenes has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its consensus governorship figure, Obafemi Hamzat, to consider appointing Boladale Dapo-Thomas as his running mate, citing her extensive administrative experience and decades of public service.
The call, made over the weekend, is gaining traction within governance and policy circles, with advocates describing Dapo-Thomas as a seasoned administrator with deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership capacity.
According to members of the group, Lagos—Nigeria’s economic hub—requires a deputy governor who not only aligns politically but also possesses a strong grasp of governance structures and public sector reform. They argued that Dapo-Thomas embodies these qualities, having spent decades within the Lagos State Civil Service.
“Her record speaks for itself,” one of the conveners stated. “At a time when governance is becoming increasingly complex, Lagos needs tested hands. Mrs Dapo-Thomas understands the machinery of government and has consistently delivered results.”
Dapo-Thomas currently serves as Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, where she oversees personnel policies, staff development, and disciplinary processes across the state’s workforce. Her career trajectory includes several strategic positions, notably as Permanent Secretary in key ministries such as Physical Planning and Wealth Creation, where she played a role in implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
She began her public service career in 1988 as an Administrative Officer II and later served as Protocol Officer and Private Secretary to the wives of four successive governors between 1988 and 1999. In these roles, she coordinated high-level engagements and managed social programmes during a formative period in Lagos’ political development.
Observers note that her rise through the civil service has been marked by steady progression and minimal controversy—qualities supporters say are critical in the current political climate. Her tenure in the Ministry of Physical Planning coincided with efforts to modernise urban development processes, while her work in the Ministry of Wealth Creation aligned with initiatives focused on job creation and economic inclusion.
Advocates also pointed to the growing demand for increased female representation in top political offices, noting that her potential nomination would signal both competence and a commitment to gender inclusion.
“This is not just about representation; it is about competence meeting opportunity. Lagos has many capable women, but few with this level of administrative exposure and institutional credibility,” another member of the coalition said.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the deputy governor’s office. However, political analysts suggest that such endorsements could influence internal deliberations within the APC as preparations gradually build toward future elections.
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