2027: Hamzat’s emergence offers opportunity to sustain Lagos devt– APC

The emergence of Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections offers Lagos an opportunity to sustain its development legacy and chart a new course for the future.

The Lagos APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement, titled: “Why Lagos is Truly Blessed: The Hamzat Years Beckon”, made available to newsmen on Monday.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s emergence presented another opportunity to consolidate the achievements of successive administrations and advance the state’s development agenda.

He said Lagos had continued to evolve through visionary leadership, institutional continuity, enterprise and the resilience of its people.

“From the foundational reforms and transformational initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, through the administrations of subsequent governors, Lagos has continued to evolve, expand and redefine the possibilities of subnational governance.

“Each administration has inherited an evolving development agenda, introduced its own priorities and contributed to the larger Lagos story.

“The emergence of Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the next gubernatorial flagbearer of our great party presents another opportunity to sustain this legacy and chart a new course for the future,” he said.

The APC spokesman described Hamzat’s recently unveiled manifesto, titled “The Lagos Promise”, as an articulation of expectations, aspirations and proposed interventions for the state.

He said Hamzat’s experience in public administration, including his service as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Works and two-term deputy governor, had exposed him to the complexities of governance.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s experience in the Works Ministry, in particular, provided an understanding of infrastructure development, urban planning and the relationship between mobility and economic productivity.

He, however, said experience must translate into fresh ideas, measurable outcomes and responsive governance to address the expectations of residents.

“But experience alone is not the destination. It must be translated into fresh ideas, measurable outcomes and responsive governance. This is where The Lagos Promise invites serious attention.

“Its policy propositions address some of the most consequential issues confronting a modern megacity: human capital development, knowledge economy, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, security, economic inclusion and energy,” he said.

Oladejo described the manifesto’s emphasis on a knowledge-driven economy as timely, given the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology on global economic opportunities.

He said Lagos needed to equip its young population with the skills to create businesses, develop solutions and compete confidently in the global marketplace.

On infrastructure and mobility, he said population growth, urbanisation and expanding commercial activities required continuous investments in roads, transportation networks, housing and public utilities.

He added that the next phase of development should build on existing achievements while addressing gaps affecting residents’ daily experiences.

The APC spokesman also identified healthcare, environmental management, security and social protection as critical areas requiring sustained attention.

He said economic growth must translate into improved living standards, accessible public services and opportunities across social and economic divides.

“A truly prosperous Lagos must be one where economic growth translates into improved living standards, accessible public services and opportunities across social and economic divides.

“One cannot overlook the importance of institutional continuity in this equation. Lagos has demonstrated that development is more sustainable when successive administrations recognise the value of existing investments, preserve functional institutions and improve upon established policies.

“Continuity should never mean complacency; rather, it should provide the platform for innovation, correction and accelerated progress,” he said.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s proposed agenda should be viewed within the broader responsibility of preparing Lagos for emerging economic, technological and environmental challenges.

He said the state needed to become more competitive, inclusive, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable to take advantage of emerging global opportunities.

Oladejo also stressed the need for the manifesto’s promises to be translated into practical programmes, clear implementation frameworks, realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.

“There is also a responsibility to ensure that the promises contained in the manifesto are translated into practical programmes, clear implementation frameworks, realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.

“Citizens have every right to demand accountability, transparency and tangible results from those entrusted with public office,” he said.

Oladejo attributed Lagos’ development to its geographical advantages, cultural heritage, enterprising population and successive generations of leadership.

He said the state’s development trajectory had benefited from leaders who recognised development as a continuous process requiring institutional stability and sustained innovation.

He added that Hamzat’s manifesto offered an opportunity for public scrutiny and constructive engagement on the proposed direction of governance.