Hamzat Rejects One-Term Agreement Claim, Unveils Vision for Lagos Ahead of 2027 Poll

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has denied claims that his emergence was based on an agreement to serve only one term.

Responding to questions during an interview, Hamzat said there was no understanding limiting his tenure if elected governor.

“Agreement? No, there’s no agreement,” he said.

Hamzat described the governor’s role as coordinating government expertise to improve the daily lives of Lagos residents, stressing that every policy and project must deliver measurable benefits.

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

He revealed that his campaign manifesto, initially over 530 pages long, is being streamlined following consultations with professionals, traders, transport workers and community stakeholders to determine priority projects.

According to him, one of the administration’s early goals would be to provide running water to 60 per cent of Lagosians within two years, while investing heavily in security and public infrastructure.

“We will spend whatever money we need to spend… to make sure that our state is secure,” he said.

Hamzat also defended his reputation as a disciplined leader, saying order and compliance with regulations are necessary for Lagos to function effectively.

“So people say discipline. We have to be disciplined as a people. Even God said it,” he stated.

Explaining why Damilola Sonayon-James was selected as his running mate, Hamzat said the APC considered religious balance, the need for greater female representation, youth inclusion and regional diversity before making the choice.

He urged disappointed party aspirants to remain loyal, recalling how he voluntarily stepped aside during the 2019 APC governorship process after discussions with party leaders.

“It is because they talked to me and I listened. Maybe if I didn’t listen then, today would not have arrived,” he said.

Hamzat maintained that he enjoys a strong working relationship with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and does not foresee the kind of successor-predecessor disputes experienced in some states.

He further argued that deputy governors should not be regarded as “spare tyres,” noting that he has overseen key ministries and intends to give his deputy meaningful responsibilities.

The APC governorship candidate also backed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, saying the president is implementing reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s long-term development.

On the recurring problem of collapsed buildings in Lagos, Hamzat said the state is strengthening oversight through its Certified Accreditors Programme, which will hold registered private professionals accountable for monitoring construction standards.

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