Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday, assured residents of the state, particularly those in Ikorodu Division, of a robust urban renewal drive and renewed efforts to engage relevant institutions toward the actualisation of state police if he secures his party’s ticket and is elected governor in 2027.

Hamzat, who re-emphasised that the state is too important to fail, said: “If Lagos fails, Nigeria will experience untold difficulties.”

The deputy governor, despite lingering uncertainty over consensus arrangement within the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), continued his consultative tour to Ikorodu Division, where he met with former Deputy Governor, Abiodun Ogunleye; a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, and the APC Chairman in Ikorodu, Olasunkanmi Tijani, among other dignitaries.

Ogunleye, while welcoming the deputy governor, expressed delight at the visit, noting that although Ikorodu indigenes had earlier expectations that were not realised, they remain supportive.

Also, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Olorunfemi Bashorun, also expressed optimism about Hamzat’s emergence, either by endorsement or through the primaries.

Similarly, a former Head of Service in Lagos State, Adesegun Ogunlewe, attested to Hamzat’s character and leadership capacity.

The former minister expressed support for Hamzat’s aspiration, urging him to constitute committees that would lay the foundation for a successful administration.

IN another development, a coalition of civil society organisations has made a passionate appeal to the APC to present a credible candidate for the Kosofe Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups appealed during a joint media briefing addressed by the President, Centre for Human & Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), Alex Omotehinse and Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG), Waheed Odunuga, in Ketu, Lagos, yesterday.

They said the move reflects the considered position of the coalition, grounded in empirical evaluation and guided by the principles of justice, transparency, and governance accountability.

The groups also noted that they remain resolute in their commitment to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring that leadership outcomes align with the aspirations of the people.

Omotehinse said the engagement formed part of the coalition’s mandate to promote accountability, participatory democracy, and evidence-based civic engagement in the constituency, adding: “This engagement represents a deliberate effort by organised civil society to move beyond rhetoric and ensure that leadership choices are anchored on measurable impact and the public good.”

According to him, the intervention was aimed at elevating public discourse and ensuring that leadership selection is driven by verifiable performance, proven competence, and commitment to public service.

The coalition, therefore, drummed up support for the past Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) between 2017 and 2025, Dele Oshinowo, for the Kosofe Reps’ seat.

It also urged the constituents to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven performance in the electoral process, stressing the need for informed civic participation.