All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has raised the hope of Lagosians about greater dividends of democracy, if elected in next year’s poll. Judging by his pedigree and antecedents, residents believe that he will not only build on past feats, but also break new grounds in his quest to make the state live up to its biling of a Centre of Excellence. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.
A new dawn is imminent in Lagos, Nigeria’s former federal capital and economic nerve centre.
Residents can hardly wait for May 29, 2027, a promising turning point. The state is living up to its billing as a training ground for successful and model governors under the wings of the talent hunter, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of Nigeria.
The symbol of the new deal is Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who is expected to take over from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after winning the forthcoming poll. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident of a deserved victory, not only because the progressive bloc has reshaped the state in the last 27 years, but more importantly because Lagosians take Hamzat more seriously.
His antecedents as a dynamic, pragmatic, honest, hardworking and meticulous public officer reputed for his attention to details, probity, integrity and honour; someone who is not given to frivolity, offer the assurance that the Centre of Excellence will, once again, be in a safe hand in post-Sanwo-Olu era. The leadership qualities are not in doubt, and many people believe that the visionary and strategic thinker would effectively build on the feat of coordinating the execution of numerous world-class development programmes towards transforming the state into Africa’s model legality and financial hub.
Nigerians who are emotionally attached to Lagos for obvious reasons believe that Hamzat is prepared for the job, judging by his long involvement in the implementation of the Lagos Development Plan in the last 24 years. A technocrat before becoming a full politician, he had served under three governors as commissioner, and a minister as special adviser without blemish and garnered adequate experience. Despite his long stay in public service, there is no atom of scandal.
After listening to the APC governorship candidate who unveiled his manifesto at the weekend, many voters got their voter cards ready ahead of a historic poll that would usher the state into another epoch. It was televised live for people at home, office, motor parks, eating centres to get a gist of a comprehensive plan for further development under the proposed government of continuity. The candidate of the ruling party won more converts from the fading clan of opposition, who saw the light.
“A government that publishes the truth about itself earns its people’s trust. Respect. Work. Truth. That is what will guide how I govern Lagos. That is why my manifesto is a promise to Lagosians,” intoned Hamzat, who sought, not only the votes, but also the trust of the electorate, to whom a promise has been given to uphold these cardinal principles.
“Respect” implies a commitment to respect Lagosians, prioritize their welfare, and maintain equity and fairness. “Work” implies a promise to work hard, build infrastructure, and improve public services. “Truth” is a pledge to uphold the truth, foster transparency, and manage an open government.
For emphasis, Hamzat stressed: “I will respect, I will work and I will uphold the truth. These will dictate my approach to governance.”
To demonstrate his avowed commitment to accountability, he unfolded plans to set up an independent performance scorecard so that Lagosians can track every promise against actual results. He said accountability will not wait till the end of my time,” adding that ” it begins in the first 100 days.” The deputy governor also said he would sign an Executive Order that will give birth to a ‘Lagos State Service Delivery Board” to be headed by him, adding that every government office will display a service charter.
Hamzat also gave hints about feedback mechanism, saying test he would hold town hall meetings across the five divisions.
He reeled out his manifesto, with the acronym: P.R.O.M.I.S.E, acknowledging it as a weighty debt, which he owes Lagosians. It’s seven pillars are: People First; Renewal; Opportunity; Machinery of Government; Inclusion; Security and Resilience; and Everyday Dignity.
The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, was filled to the brim. Sixteen categories of Lagosians were there: captains of Industry and leaders of commerce; party elders, leaders and members; federal ministers, traditional rulers and community leaders; religious leaders, top civil servants, university dons, union leaders, human rights community, artisans and peasants, market men and women, members of the City Boy Movement, other youth organisations and students, representatives of community development associations, and the media.
With the governorship candidate were his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, his wife, Olufemi, the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, his campaign manager, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and other party chieftains.
Also at the venue were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, former Finance Minister Olawale Edun, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, and his Trade and Investment counterpart, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Hamzat made novel promises. They are 100 in all. He is interested in increasing the speed of governance, with focus on effective and efficient service delivery.
He promised to increase the state’s public bus fleet from 1,000 to 4,000, upgrade 100 primary healthcare centres and expand maternal and child healthcare facilities from 10 to 15 if elected. He promised to extend the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme. Currently, It covers nearly two million people. Hamzat said it should capture one in every three Lagos residents, with priority given to poorer households and vulnerable groups.
Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki will savour new General Hospitals while ongoing projects at Massey Children’s Hospital would be completed while Ojo and Somolu would be expanded to give more access to maternal and child healthcare in the communities.
Hamzat promised to extend the Blue Line rail project to Okokomaiko, advance the Green Line from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and connect the Blue and Red rail lines through an interchange at the National Theatre.
He also promised to procure 75 additional electric ferries, refurbish 25 ferry terminals and expand water transportation corridors by 140 kilometres under the Omi Eko project.
Hamzat promised to activate the Fourth Mainland Bridge through partnerships, accelerate construction of the Regional Road along the Lekki-Epe corridor and commence the second phase of the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge.
He promised to defend education by strengthening the EKOEXCEL programme in 1,028 public primary schools, improving teachers’ training and reviewing their remuneration. He said technical and vocational education would be expanded while his administration would pursue the establishment of a University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Hamzat promised six to 12 months of workplace training for graduates of vocational and technical institutions, with the government bearing 40 per cent of their stipends. This is in a bid to tackle unemployment. Skilled artisans would receive free certification.
He promised to make the business environment more accessible through a single schedule of lawful charges, easier access to permits and credit facilities, and increased participation of small businesses in government procurement.
Hamzat promised affordable mortgage arrangements requiring a 10 per cent initial deposit, single-digit interest rates and longer repayment periods, alongside the completion of ongoing housing projects.
He said he would extend the Neighbourhood Safety Agency to all wards across the state’s 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas, while expanding street lighting, CCTV surveillance and intelligence coordination.
Hamzat said his first 100 days in office would include sending a bill to the House of Assembly for the establishment of a Child Protection and Nutrition Agency, setting up a Service Delivery Office and advancing a State Wealth Fund with an independent board and published accounts.
He also promised that government agencies would acknowledge complaints within 48 hours, respond within seven days and resolve them within 30 days.
Hamzat urged Lagosians to vote for President Tinubu and National Assembly candidates on January 16, next year, and himself and House of Assembly candidates on February 6.
Sanwo-Olu’s three tasks for Hamzat
Sanwo-Olu gave Hamzat three task, urging him to take heed when he begins to govern.
He urged him to always listen to Lagosians.
The governor also advised the deputy governor not to abandon the projects the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat administration started together, but may not be completed before May 29, 2027.
Sanwo-Olu also advised him to handover to another experienced and competent person at the end of his tenure.
Sanwo-Olu told a story of his journey with his deputy, beginning from September 2018, when he vied for governor.
He recalled that despite the fact that he had acquired experience and support base, he was asked to step down.
Sanwo-Olu said:”He stepped down and never plotted evil, and he agreed to run as my deputy.”
The governor described Hamzat as the best deputy governor in the history of Lagos, adding that he is the first deputy governor that will become governor of Lagos State.
Sanwo said unlike in some states, there has been no governor-deputy governor crisis.
He said Lagos is a training ground for governors, stressing that the state that had produced accountants, a lawyer and a banker, would produce an engineer as the next governor.
The governor expressed satisfaction that Lagos is changing governors without a quarrel.
He said he shall be happy to hand over next year to a governor who will not pull down the building.
The Governor said: “Across this country, successions have ended in courtrooms, in broken parties, in deputies at war with the men who chose them. In Lagos, the governor and his deputy walked into this hall together. They will walk out of it together.
“And in May, one of them will hand the other a state that is whole. There is no greater gift a governor can leave his people than a handover that does not break the house.”
Sanwo-Olu said this is not the time for Lagos to experiment, but to consolidate on the gains.
He said Badagry Division has been brought on board through the running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, adding that her candidature satisfies the criterion of youth inclusion.
Sosan: Government of continuity underway
Former Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan, who spoke on behalf of GAC members, said a government of continuity was underway in Lagos, assuring that Hamzat will build on the feats of his predecessors- Sanwo-Olu, Akinwunmi Ambode, Babatunde Fashola and Asiwaju Tinubu.
She added: “As people who have been part of this journey, we understand the importance of continuity. You cannot build a strong state by abandoning everything that has worked; you must preserve the good, correct the areas that need improvement and continue to make progress. That is the principle that has guided our party over the years.”
However, Susan clarified that “continuity does not mean that we should refuse to change”, adding that “itmeans that we must learn from experience, build on our achievements and respond to the changing needs of our people.”
She stressed: “Lagos is growing every day. More people are coming into the state, businesses are also growing, and our people expect more from the government. We must plan well and prepare for the future and this is why the experience of Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is important.”
The former Deputy Governor noted that Hamzat had served Lagos State in different capacities as Commissioner and Deputy Governor, stressing that “through these positions, he has gained experience in running the government.”
She added: “He understands how the system works, the challenges we face and the opportunities we can use to move Lagos forward.”
Noting that a manifesto tells the people what a candidate plans to do for them, Sosan said : “Our people want good roads, better transport, good schools, affordable healthcare, security, jobs, housing and a clean environment.
“Lagos belongs to all of us, and we must work together to develop the state. Government, businesses and residents all have a role to play.
“We must build on past achievements, improve the present and create a better future for our children.Our message is simple: Lagos must keep moving forward, with experience, unity and a clear vision. We must all work together because the future of Lagos is our shared responsibility.”
Lagos must move forward, says Obanikoro
The Tinubu/Hamzat Campaign Director-General, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said APC has resolved that Lagos should continue to move forward and not backward.
He said: “Today’s event represents more than the presentation of a manifesto, it reaffirms our shared commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development and a future in Which levery Lagosian has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, the growth arid prosperity of our state.”
He added: “We believe that Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat brings valuable experience and dedication to the task of consolidating the achievements of successive APC administrations and advancing the development of Lagos State.
“With your continued support and active participation, we can sustain the progress already made, address emerging challenges and create greater opportunities for our people.
“As we move forward, we welcome your ideas, advice and constructive feedback on the manifesto. This campaign is a collective endeavour, and through continued engagement and collaboration, we can work towards a Lagos that is prosperous, secure, inclusive and rich în opportunities for all.”
Hamzat won’t disappoint Lagosians, says Ojelabi
Ojelabi flaunted the credentials of Hamzat, assuring that he will not disappoint Lagos State.
He expressed confidence in the candidate’s capacity to lead the state, citing his experience in government, administrative competence and understanding of the challenges confronting the nation’s commercial hub.
Ojelabi, who spoke on the party’s vision for Lagos under Hamzat’s leadership, said the state’s next phase of development would require purposeful leadership, strategic planning and sustained commitment to improving public services.
He identified infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, technology and economic development as critical areas requiring continued attention, arguing that Lagos’s rapidly expanding population demands fresh solutions and improved service delivery.
Ojelabi said the achievements recorded under successive administrations, including that of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, provide a foundation for further development, but should not be an excuse for complacency.
“Lagos must move forward, not backward. Opportunity does not mean complacency. It must mean building through leadership, identifying shortcomings and driving greater progress with renewed determination,” he said.
The APC chairman said Hamzat’s experience, particularly his service as deputy governor and exposure to the workings of government, had equipped him with the knowledge and competence required to manage the complexities of a growing metropolitan state.
He also pointed to Hamzat’s private-sector experience and record in public service as important assets in addressing the demands of governance and sustaining the state’s development trajectory.
Ojelabi said the party’s vision included expanding economic opportunities, supporting businesses and young people, improving infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of development reached communities across the state.
He added that the objective was to build an inclusive Lagos where businesses could thrive, families had access to essential services and residents enjoyed better opportunities and improved living conditions.
On the party’s manifesto, Ojelabi said it provided an opportunity for residents to examine the candidate’s priorities and understand the practical steps proposed to translate his vision into reality.
He said a manifesto should go beyond political promises by offering realistic solutions and measurable objectives capable of addressing the needs and aspirations of Lagos residents.
