Lagos 2027: No agreement to spend one term as governor — Hamzat

The deputy governor of Lagos State and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has categorically denied entering into any agreement to serve for only a single term.

He was responding to widespread political speculation that his 2027 candidacy was tied to a one-term limitation.

Hamzat dismissed the claims as completely unfounded, emphasizing that leadership structures must be determined by democratic processes rather than backroom political deal-making.

Speaking in an interview, Hamzat explicitly stated, “Agreement? No, there’s no agreement,” debunking rumors that he agreed to step down after four years to pave the way for other political interests.

His clarification followed major institutional milestones, including his emergence as the consensus candidate endorsed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Hamzat further outlined a comprehensive blueprint focused heavily on enhancing the quality of life for Lagosians through budget alignment, infrastructure expansion, and a robust human capital agenda.

According to him, the responsibility of a governor is to ensure that government policies produce measurable improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

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

He disclosed that his administration’s manifesto, currently undergoing final review, contains comprehensive plans covering education, healthcare, transportation, water supply, security, housing and economic development.

The document, initially more than 500 pages, has been streamlined following consultations with professionals, market leaders, transport unions and other stakeholders to identify the state’s most urgent priorities.

Among his immediate targets is improving access to potable water, with plans to ensure that at least 60 per cent of Lagos residents have running water within the first two years of his administration through the rehabilitation and expansion of water distribution infrastructure.

On security, Hamzat pledged to strengthen the state’s existing architecture by deploying more technology and surveillance systems to improve public safety.

“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 enable residents to live, work and conduct business more freely.

Addressing concerns over urban planning, flooding and waste management, the deputy governor argued that stronger enforcement of planning regulations and greater public discipline were essential to sustaining Lagos’ development.

Speaking on succession politics, Hamzat dismissed suggestions that his administration could experience the kind of rift seen between some governors and their successors in other states.

He attributed his confidence to the long-standing relationship he shares with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu and I have been friends for years,” he said, recalling that their relationship dates back to their days as commissioners in the Lagos State Executive Council.

He added, “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.”

Hamzat also rejected the perception that deputy governors merely occupy ceremonial positions, saying he currently oversees critical ministries and contributes substantially 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, pledging to assign meaningful responsibilities to his running mate if elected governor.

On reconciliation within the APC following the governorship primaries, Hamzat said consultations with aggrieved party members were already underway, urging aspirants to remain patient and place the party’s collective interest above personal ambition.

The governorship candidate also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027, arguing that the administration’s ongoing reforms were laying the foundation for long-term national development despite current economic difficulties.

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

He maintained that effective governance requires continuity, institutional discipline and collective commitment, insisting that his administration would focus on delivering practical solutions that improve the lives of Lagos residents while building on the achievements of successive governments.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖