The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says its governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, demonstrated experience, preparedness and policy depth at a Lagos governorship debate on Sunday.
The party’s spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.
Oladejo said Hamzat’s performance demonstrated his understanding of governance, institutional capacity and the complexities of managing Lagos as Africa’s largest sub-national economy.
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He said the debate provided an opportunity for residents to assess the candidates’ policy proposals and understanding of the state’s developmental challenges.
According to him, Hamzat used the platform to explain the policy direction of his manifesto, The Lagos Promise, and demonstrate his readiness to govern the state.
Oladejo said: “Beyond the substance of his policy presentation, Dr. Hamzat displayed remarkable preparedness, passion, commitment and an unmistakable determination to perform.
“His command of the issues, depth of institutional knowledge and familiarity with the workings of government were particularly instructive.
“He demonstrated an appreciation of the fact that governance is not merely about making attractive promises but about understanding the processes, structures and institutional capacities required to translate vision into tangible results.”
The APC spokesman said Hamzat’s calmness, confidence and responses reflected his understanding of the responsibilities associated with public office.
He added that the candidate’s experience in Lagos governance distinguished him from those seeking to govern the state without sufficient institutional knowledge.
Oladejo said Hamzat’s description of the debate as a job interview underscored the importance of experience and practical knowledge in governing Lagos.
“Governing Lagos is not an experimental exercise, nor is it an assignment for political apprentices.
“It requires a thorough understanding of the machinery of government, the peculiarities of the state’s economy and the intricate relationship between policy formulation and implementation,” he quoted Hamzat as saying.
The spokesman said Hamzat’s proposals covered transportation, housing, environmental management, healthcare and social infrastructure.
On transportation, he said the candidate outlined a multi-modal approach involving rail, road and water transportation, including plans for 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and 77 electric ferries.
On housing, Oladejo said Hamzat addressed the need to expand mortgage opportunities, complete ongoing housing projects and enforce existing laws against arbitrary rental demands.
He added that the candidate also highlighted drainage infrastructure, effective maintenance and improved waste management as essential components of environmental development.
According to him, Hamzat further reiterated the need to expand healthcare access and consolidate existing investments in social infrastructure.
Oladejo said the proposals reflected the need for coordinated, long-term planning to address the interconnected challenges of Lagos as a rapidly expanding megacity.
He said Hamzat’s experience as a former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Works and two-term Deputy Governor provided him with substantial institutional knowledge.
“The Lagos Promise is therefore presented against the background of institutional experience, accumulated lessons and a clearly articulated development agenda.
“The task ahead is to translate its commitments into measurable outcomes that improve the quality of life of every Lagosian,” he said.
Oladejo commended the organisers, the Nigeria Debate Consortium, and participating media organisations for providing a platform for issue-based democratic engagement.
He urged Lagos residents to look beyond political theatrics and personality contests and critically examine the policy proposals presented by the governorship candidates.
Oladejo said the future of Lagos required experience, tested leadership, policy depth, institutional understanding and a demonstrable commitment to delivering results.
The spokesman urged Hamzat to translate the commitments in The Lagos Promise into tangible benefits for residents.
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