2027: Hamzat’s manifesto to focus on continuity, inclusive growth — Campaign council

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has said its campaign for the 2027 governorship election is anchored on continuity, shared progress and inclusivity ahead of the unveiling of its candidate’s manifesto on Friday, October 30.

The Director-General of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (PBAT-KOH) Campaign Council, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, stated this on Sunday during a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, where he announced the date for the manifesto launch.

He said the event would provide the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, with an opportunity to present his vision, policy priorities and plans for the continued development of the state.

“Our campaign is anchored on two principles: continued shared progress and inclusivity,” Obanikoro said.

He explained that the campaign intended to build on the state’s existing achievements while addressing outstanding challenges and expanding opportunities for residents.

He added that no resident should be excluded from the state’s development on the grounds of religion, ethnicity, gender, social status or place of origin.

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Obanikoro said Lagos, with an estimated population of 25 million people and limited landmass, faced growing demands in transportation, housing, infrastructure, security, healthcare, human capital development and environmental management.

He said addressing these challenges required experienced leadership, careful planning and practical solutions, adding that the APC intended to build on the foundations laid by successive administrations in the state.

The campaign director-general cited the administrations of former governors Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, as well as that of the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as having contributed to the state’s development in infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, the creative economy and urban development.

He said continuity should not mean retaining existing approaches without improvement but preserving successful policies, correcting shortcomings and expanding development opportunities.

“Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before. It is about protecting what works, correcting what needs improvement and building on existing progress,” he said.

Obanikoro also highlighted Hamzat’s academic and professional background, noting that the governorship candidate earned a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University in England.

He said Hamzat’s private-sector experience, including his work with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Citibank in the United States, combined with his years in public service as a commissioner and deputy governor, would inform his approach to governance.

The campaign director-general also cited projects delivered under the Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Blue and Red rail lines, roads and bridges, housing projects, and improvements in schools and hospitals.

He said Hamzat, who currently serves as deputy governor, would seek to consolidate the administration’s achievements while addressing existing challenges.

On preparations for the manifesto launch, Obanikoro said the candidate and the campaign organisation had consulted religious leaders, traditional rulers, market women, traders, young people, professionals, artisans, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He said the consultations were intended to ensure that the campaign’s policy priorities reflected the concerns and aspirations of Lagos residents.

According to him, arrangements would be made to make the manifesto available for download after its presentation, allowing members of the public to examine the proposals and submit feedback through the party’s designated channels.

He said the campaign welcomed constructive suggestions from residents, adding that their contributions would help shape the development agenda the candidate intended to pursue.