Wale Igbintade
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has pledged to sustain the development policies of successive administrations while addressing persistent challenges in housing, transportation, security, healthcare and infrastructure under its 2027 governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The party said Hamzat would build on the foundations laid by President Bola Tinubu, former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, and the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while correcting existing shortcomings and responding to the demands of Lagos’ growing population.
The Director-General of the PBAT-KOH Campaign Council, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference in Lagos, where he announced that the APC would unveil Hamzat’s governorship manifesto on Friday, October 30, ahead of the 2027 election.
According to him, the manifesto launch, scheduled for the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, would provide an opportunity for Hamzat to outline his vision, policy priorities and plans for the state’s continued development.
Obanikoro said the campaign was anchored on two principles: continued shared progress and inclusivity, emphasising the need to consolidate existing achievements while ensuring that no segment of the population was excluded from the state’s development agenda.
“Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before. It is about protecting what works, correcting what needs improvement and building on existing progress,” he said.
He argued that Lagos could not afford to abandon the foundations upon which its development had been built, adding that the state required experienced leadership, careful planning and practical solutions to meet the demands of its expanding population.
Obanikoro said Hamzat’s combination of private-sector experience and years in public service equipped him with an understanding of business, governance and public-service delivery.
He said Hamzat obtained a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University, England, at the age of 28, and subsequently worked with international financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Citibank, in the United States before entering public service.
He added that Hamzat’s experience as a commissioner under successive administrations and his current position as deputy governor had given him valuable insight into the state’s administrative and developmental priorities.
“His experience in the private sector, where he gained knowledge of business and management, goes well with his years in public service as a three-time commissioner and deputy governor of Lagos State,” Obanikoro said.
The campaign director-general cited the Blue and Red rail lines, completed roads and bridges, improvements in schools and hospitals, housing projects, and support for businesses and young people as examples of development initiatives pursued under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
He said Hamzat would draw on his experience in government to consolidate these initiatives, address outstanding challenges and deepen development across the state.
However, Obanikoro acknowledged that Lagos continued to face significant pressures arising from its estimated population of about 25 million, limited landmass and cosmopolitan character.
He identified transportation, human capital development, housing, infrastructure, security, healthcare and environmental management as areas requiring sustained attention.
He said these challenges demanded leadership capable of building on existing achievements while responding to residents’ changing needs.
On inclusivity, Obanikoro said the campaign was committed to ensuring that governance served residents regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, social status or place of origin.
He added that while Lagos belonged to everyone who called the state home, the interests and heritage of its indigenous population must also be recognised and preserved.
“Every resident and taxpayer have a stake in its future, and every community deserves to be heard. Our differences should not divide us. They should strengthen our resolve to work together for the common good,” he said.
Obanikoro disclosed that Hamzat and members of the campaign organisation had consulted religious leaders, traditional rulers, market women, traders, young people, professionals, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders across the state.
He said the consultations were intended to ensure that residents’ concerns informed the candidate’s priorities and that his proposed development agenda reflected the realities of different communities.
“We believe that leadership must listen before it acts. We want the concerns of ordinary Lagosians to inform our priorities. We want a development agenda that reflects the realities of our people,” he said.
The campaign director-general also announced that the manifesto would be made available for download after its presentation, enabling members of the public to examine the proposals and submit feedback through designated party channels.
He said the campaign welcomed constructive comments and suggestions from residents, adding that the document should reflect the needs of the people it was intended to serve.
He urged party members, stakeholders and members of the public to engage with the campaign’s proposals, reiterating its commitment to shared progress, inclusivity and continued development in Lagos.