Lagos 2027: Hamzat addresses one-term speculation

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State Deputy Governor and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, has dismissed claims that he accepted a one-term agreement as a condition for securing the party’s ticket.

Speaking in an interview, Hamzat described the speculation as unfounded, insisting that no such arrangement exists and that the people of Lagos should determine who governs the state through the democratic process.

“Agreement? No, there’s no agreement,” he said when asked if his emergence as the APC candidate was tied to a one-term understanding.

Prioritising residents’ welfare

Hamzat said his administration would focus on improving the quality of life of Lagos residents through investments in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, housing, water supply and economic development.

According to him, governance should be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens, stressing that government policies and budget implementation must translate into better living conditions.

“Our job is to make sure that everything we do, from the budget to implementation, affects the quality of life of Lagosians,” he said.

He revealed that his manifesto, which originally exceeded 500 pages, had been reviewed and condensed after consultations with professionals, market associations, transport unions and other stakeholders to reflect the state’s most urgent priorities.

Plans for water and security

Among his immediate goals, Hamzat said his administration would work towards ensuring that at least 60 per cent of Lagos residents have access to running water within the first two years in office through the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure.

He also pledged to strengthen security by deploying advanced technology and surveillance systems across the state.

“We will spend whatever money we need to spend. We’ll do whatever we need to do to make sure that our state is secure,” he said, adding that improved security would encourage economic activities and make the state safer for residents.

Hamzat also identified urban planning, flooding and waste management as key challenges, saying stricter enforcement of planning regulations and greater public compliance would be necessary to sustain Lagos’ development.

Relationship with Sanwo-Olu

Responding to concerns about succession politics, Hamzat ruled out the possibility of a fallout with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying they had maintained a cordial relationship for many years.

He noted that their friendship dates back to their service as commissioners in the Lagos State Executive Council.

“If we didn’t fight all these years we have been working together, why would we disagree when we are handing over? The responsibility is so huge that you can’t do it alone,” he said.

Role of deputy governor

Hamzat also rejected the perception that deputy governors play only ceremonial roles, noting that he currently supervises critical ministries and contributes actively to governance.

“I’m certainly not a spare tyre and I will not treat my deputy as a spare tyre because she is not,” he said, promising to give his deputy significant responsibilities if elected governor.

He disclosed that consultations were ongoing to reconcile aggrieved APC members after the party’s governorship primaries, urging aspirants to place the party’s interest above personal ambitions.

Hamzat also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027, arguing that the administration’s ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits for the country.

“I am confident that President Tinubu will come back again, and the country will be better for it,” he said.

He added that continuity, institutional discipline and collective commitment remained essential to effective governance, pledging to build on existing achievements while implementing policies that would improve the lives of Lagos residents.