By Peter Dansu Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Obafem...
By Peter Dansu
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Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has dismissed claims that his emergence as the party's flagbearer was tied to an agreement to serve only one term if elected governor.
Speaking during an interview, Hamzat described the speculation as baseless, insisting that no such arrangement existed and that the decision on how long any elected leader remains in office rests with the people through the democratic process.
"Agreement? No, there's no agreement," Hamzat said, putting to rest rumours that his candidacy was based on a single-term understanding.
The APC candidate also addressed concerns about the role of deputy governors, promising that whoever serves as his deputy would not be treated as a ceremonial figure but would be actively involved in 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, noting that he currently supervises key ministries and plays a significant role in the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Hamzat unveiled broad policy directions that would shape his administration if elected in 2027, saying his government would focus on improving security, expanding infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education, boosting transportation, increasing access to potable water and improving the overall quality of life for Lagos residents.
According to him, his campaign manifesto has been developed through extensive consultations with professionals, transport unions, market leaders and other stakeholders across the state. He explained that the document, initially exceeding 500 pages, was condensed to reflect the most pressing needs of Lagosians.
One of his immediate priorities, he said, would be increasing access to running water, with a target of ensuring that at least 60 per cent of residents have potable water within the first two years of his administration through the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure.
On security, Hamzat pledged to invest heavily in technology-driven surveillance and other measures to make Lagos safer for residents and businesses.
"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.
He also stressed the need for stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations, better waste management and greater public responsibility to tackle flooding and sustain the state's rapid development.
Speaking on succession politics, Hamzat dismissed suggestions that his administration could experience post-tenure disagreements with Governor Sanwo-Olu, citing their long-standing relationship and years of working together in government.
"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.
The APC governorship candidate further disclosed that reconciliation efforts were ongoing within the party following the governorship primaries, urging aggrieved members to remain committed to the APC's collective interest.
Hamzat also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would win re-election in 2027, maintaining that the President's ongoing reforms would ultimately strengthen Nigeria despite current economic challenges.
He said his administration, if elected, would prioritise continuity, institutional discipline and practical policies that deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Lagos residents while building on the achievements of previous governments.
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