Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to consolidate its achievements and deepen development under its 2027 governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The party’s chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, gave the assurance on Friday at the launch of Hamzat’s governorship manifesto in Lagos.
The manifesto, titled ‘The Lagos PROMISE’, was unveiled alongside the campaign theme, ‘Lagos… Forward Together’, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu.
Ojelabi said the APC was presenting Lagos residents with a leadership proposition anchored on experience, continuity, innovation and commitment to further development.
“The task before us is to protect the gains of the past, address the challenges of the present, and prepare Lagos for future opportunities,” he said.
He added that the party had achievements to defend, a vision to advance and a future to secure.
“With Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as our candidate, we are offering Lagosians a leadership proposition built on experience, continuity and innovation,” Ojelabi said.
He identified infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, housing, technology and economic development as areas where the APC administration had recorded achievements.
However, he acknowledged the need for continuous innovation, improved service delivery and fresh solutions to address Lagos’s growing megacity challenges.
Ojelabi expressed confidence in Hamzat’s ability to navigate the complexities of governing Lagos, citing his private-sector experience and public service record.
He also highlighted Hamzat’s tenure as Deputy Governor, saying it had provided valuable experience in government administration and policymaking.
“We believe his experience, institutional understanding and commitment to development position him to lead Lagos into its next phase of growth,” he said.
The APC chairman said the manifesto should address residents’ aspirations through expanded economic opportunities, stronger public services and improved infrastructure.
He also identified enterprise development, youth empowerment and equitable distribution of development benefits across communities as important priorities.
Ojelabi described the manifesto as a covenant between the party, its candidate and the electorate.
He stressed that it must translate political promises into practical achievements through realistic solutions, measurable objectives and accountability.
“A credible manifesto must go beyond attractive promises by providing realistic solutions and a commitment to effective implementation,” he said.
He urged party leaders, members and supporters to remain united, disciplined and focused on taking the APC’s message to every ward and community.
Ojelabi also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, recognising indigenous communities while embracing Lagos’s diverse population.
He commended Hamzat, the Campaign Council and other contributors for their efforts in preparing the manifesto.
Speaking on behalf of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), former Deputy Governor, Mrs Sarah Sosan, described the manifesto launch as an important step towards the 2027 governorship election.
Sosan said Hamzat’s experience, loyalty, hard work and understanding of government administration positioned him for the leadership responsibility.
“Our candidate is experienced, cerebral, loyal, hardworking and he is the best man for the job,” she said.
She noted that Lagos’s development resulted from years of planning, sacrifice, hard work and purposeful leadership.
According to her, the state’s growing population and expanding business activities require effective planning and preparation for future demands.
Sosan said Hamzat’s previous positions as commissioner and deputy governor had given him valuable experience in managing government affairs.
“He understands how the system works, the challenges we face and the opportunities we can use to move Lagos forward,” she said.
She identified good roads, improved transportation, quality education, affordable healthcare, security, employment and housing as major expectations of residents.
Sosan added that government, businesses and residents must work together to sustain development across the state.
“Lagos belongs to all of us, and we must work together to develop the state,” she said.
She called for continued efforts to build on previous achievements, improve present conditions and create better opportunities for future generations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of APC elders, party leaders, GAC members, legislators and traditional, religious and community leaders attended the event.
Other dignitaries included Hamzat’s deputy governorship candidate, Ms Damilola Sonayon-James; Sen. Idiat Adebule; Reps. James Faleke and Babajimi Benson; and Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Federal and state government officials also attended the manifesto unveiling.
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