Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the emergence firm of Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as its governorship flag bearer presents an opportunity to sustain the state’s development trajectory and consolidate the achievements of successive administrations.
The party said Hamzat’s experience in public administration and his familiarity with the state’s governance structure positioned him to advance Lagos’ development agenda and address emerging challenges facing the state.
It stated this in a statement by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, titled, ‘The Hamzat Years Beckon’, dated November 2, 2026, which examined Hamzat’s recently unveiled manifesto, ‘The Lagos Promise’, and its proposed policy direction for the state.
The APC said Lagos had continued to evolve through successive administrations, building on the foundational reforms and transformational initiatives introduced by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as governor and the contributions of subsequent administrations.
According to the party, the state’s development has been driven by visionary leadership, institutional continuity, an enterprising population and a political culture that recognises governance as a continuous process.
It described Hamzat as an experienced administrator whose years of involvement in the state’s administration had given him considerable exposure to the complexities of governance.
The party noted that his previous positions as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Works and two-term Deputy Governor had equipped him with an understanding of public administration and the demands of governing Lagos.
It said, “Dr. Hamzat is not approaching the business of governing Lagos as an outsider seeking to understand its complexities. His years of involvement in the state’s administration, including his service as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Works, as well as his two terms as Deputy Governor, have given him considerable exposure to the machinery of government and the demands of public administration.”
The APC, however, said experience must translate into fresh ideas, measurable outcomes and responsive governance, adding that Hamzat’s manifesto addressed some of the most consequential issues confronting a modern megacity.
It listed human capital development, the knowledge economy, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, security, economic inclusion and energy as key areas covered by the manifesto.
On the knowledge economy, the party said Lagos must position itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology while equipping young people with the skills to create businesses, develop solutions and compete in the global marketplace.
It also stressed the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, transportation, housing and public utilities to address the pressures of urbanisation, population growth and expanding commercial activities.
The party said healthcare, environmental management, security and social protection must also remain priorities to ensure that economic growth translates into improved living standards, accessible public services and opportunities across social and economic divides.
On institutional continuity, the APC said successive administrations must recognise the value of existing investments, preserve functional institutions and improve established policies to ensure sustainable development.
It added, “Continuity should never mean complacency; rather, it should provide the platform for innovation, correction and accelerated progress.”
The party further said the next phase of Lagos’ development should focus on making the state more competitive, inclusive, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable.
It stressed the need to translate the promises contained in Hamzat’s manifesto into practical programmes, clear implementation frameworks, realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.
The APC added that residents had the right to demand accountability, transparency and tangible results from those entrusted with public office.
It said the Lagos of the future required vision, experience, innovation, continuity and the courage to confront emerging challenges.
