Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has outlined his vision for Lagos ahead of the 2027 governorship election, promising to improve security, expand access to clean water, strengthen infrastructure and make governance more responsive to residents’ needs.
Speaking in an interview, Hamzat described the governor as the “captain of the team,” whose primary responsibility is to ensure that government policies and projects directly improve the lives of Lagosians.
“The job of the governor is to make sure that everything we do, from budgeting to implementation, improves the quality of life of Lagosians. That is why we are seeking the office,” he said.
Hamzat revealed that his administration’s proposed manifesto runs into hundreds of pages and is currently being streamlined after consultations with market women, transport operators, academics and other stakeholders to determine the state’s most pressing priorities.
Among his key plans is increasing access to running water across Lagos, with a target of ensuring that 60 per cent of residents have access to potable water within the first two years of his administration. He also pledged to improve security by investing in technology and expanding the state’s existing security architecture.
“We will spend whatever money is necessary to keep Lagos safe. The technology exists, and we will build on what we already have to make the state more secure,” he said.
The APC candidate also stressed the need for greater discipline, urban planning and enforcement of the rule of law. According to him, markets, roads, walkways and other public infrastructure must be used strictly for their intended purposes to improve order and quality of life.
Responding to suggestions that he is a strict leader, Hamzat said discipline is essential for development but insisted his approach would focus on persuasion rather than confrontation.
“You don’t move a state forward by fighting everyone. It is better to convince people and help them understand the bigger picture for themselves, their children and future generations,” he said.
On speculation that he had agreed to serve only one term if elected, Hamzat dismissed the claim, saying no such agreement exists.
“There is no agreement for one term,” he stated.
Explaining his choice of Damilola Sonayon-James as his running mate, Hamzat said the decision reflected the need for religious balance, female representation, youth inclusion and regional equity within Lagos.
The deputy governor also addressed concerns over divisions within the APC following the party’s governorship primaries, expressing confidence that aggrieved members would eventually reconcile.
“There can only be one candidate at a time. We are already engaging those who are dissatisfied, and I believe everyone will understand that things will work out for the benefit of the party,” he said.
Hamzat ruled out the possibility of a successor-predecessor crisis with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing their relationship as one built on years of friendship and mutual respect.
“If we didn’t have problems working together all these years, why should we have problems during the handover? We argue over policies, but once decisions are made, we move forward,” he explained.
He also rejected the notion that deputy governors are merely ceremonial figures, saying he currently supervises critical ministries, including Works and Science and Technology, and vowed to assign meaningful responsibilities to his deputy if elected governor.
On national politics, Hamzat threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the President is laying the foundation for long-term economic reforms despite current hardships.
“The President is building the fundamentals. Nobody says it will be easy. Sometimes the medicine is bitter, but it is necessary. I am confident President Tinubu will return and Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.
Hamzat also spoke on the recurring issue of building collapses in Lagos, proposing wider use of certified private engineering firms to supervise construction projects. He said the state plans to expand its Certified Accreditors Programme to improve compliance with building standards and reduce structural failures.
