The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has dismissed reports suggesting he agreed to serve only one term if elected governor, insisting that no such arrangement exists.
Speaking during an interview, Hamzat described the speculation as baseless, saying leadership should be determined by the democratic will of the people rather than political rumours.
“There is no agreement. No such arrangement exists,” Hamzat said while responding to claims that his emergence as the APC governorship candidate was tied to a one-term understanding.
Beyond addressing the speculation, the Lagos State Deputy Governor outlined key priorities of his proposed administration, promising to focus on policies that improve the quality of life of Lagos residents through investments in critical sectors.
Governance Priorities
Hamzat said every policy and budgetary decision under his administration would be guided by its impact on the welfare of Lagosians.
“Our job is to make sure that everything we do, from the budget to implementation, affects the quality of life of Lagosians,” he said.
According to him, the party’s manifesto, which is currently undergoing final review, covers strategic sectors including education, healthcare, transportation, water supply, housing, security and economic development.
He explained that the document, initially more than 500 pages, was streamlined after consultations with professionals, transport unions, market leaders and other stakeholders to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of residents.
Hamzat said expanding access to potable water would be one of his administration’s immediate priorities, with a target of ensuring that at least 60 per cent of Lagos residents have access to running water within the first two years through the rehabilitation and expansion of water infrastructure.
Security, Infrastructure Focus
The APC candidate pledged to strengthen Lagos’ security architecture through greater investment in technology and surveillance systems.
“We will spend whatever money we need to spend to ensure that Lagos remains secure,” he said, adding that improved security would enhance public safety, encourage investment and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Hamzat also promised stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations to address flooding, improve waste management and tackle other environmental challenges confronting the state.
He said his administration would build on the achievements of previous governments while prioritising continuity, institutional discipline and practical governance to deliver sustainable development across the state.
Succession, Party Unity
Addressing concerns over succession politics, Hamzat dismissed suggestions that his administration could experience a fallout with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the transition of power.
He attributed his confidence to the long-standing relationship they have built over the years while serving together in government, saying their partnership has been characterised by cooperation and mutual understanding.
Hamzat also rejected the perception that deputy governors play ceremonial roles, stressing that he currently supervises key ministries and contributes significantly to governance.
“I am certainly not a spare tyre, and I will not treat my deputy as one because the office is important,” he said, pledging to assign meaningful responsibilities to his deputy if elected governor.
On efforts to reconcile members of the APC following the governorship primary, Hamzat said reconciliation moves were already underway and urged aggrieved aspirants and party members to place the party’s collective interest above personal ambition.
He also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms would deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.
Hamzat maintained that effective leadership requires continuity, discipline and practical governance, expressing confidence that his administration would consolidate existing gains while pursuing policies aimed at improving the lives of Lagos residents.
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