The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled a 100-point development manifesto, promising far-reaching reforms in infrastructure, housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Hamzat, who is the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, unveiled the manifesto titled “The Lagos Promise” at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, Iganmu, Lagos, on Friday, outlining his vision for a safer, more prosperous and inclusive state.
The document is structured around seven major pillars: People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity.
Speaking at the unveiling, Hamzat said his aspiration was not merely to secure the votes of Lagos residents but to earn their confidence through clearly defined policies, practical solutions and a demonstrable commitment to effective governance.
“I stand before you today, not simply to ask for your vote, but to earn your trust, to share my vision for Lagos, to explain what I believe that we must do differently, and to demonstrate why I’m prepared to serve you,” he said.
The APC candidate explained that his understanding of Lagosians’ challenges was shaped by his childhood experiences and years of involvement in the state’s development, particularly in areas such as drainage, electricity and basic infrastructure.
Highlighting some of his contributions to the present administration, Hamzat cited the development of Lagos State’s digital map and residents’ register, initiatives towards introducing single-digit mortgage interest rates and the construction of inner roads.
He pledged that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritise the completion of ongoing rail projects, improve road and water transportation networks and expand access to affordable housing.
On security, he promised to strengthen the state’s security architecture, while healthcare delivery would receive attention through improved facilities and services across the 57 local government areas and local council development areas.
The manifesto also places emphasis on improving the quality of education, expanding skills acquisition programmes, creating employment opportunities and supporting small and medium-scale businesses to stimulate economic growth.
Hamzat further promised to strengthen waste management systems, intensify flood prevention measures and protect coastal communities against environmental threats.
He said his administration would pursue inclusive governance that places residents at the centre of policymaking and ensures that development initiatives respond to the everyday needs of the people.
A major feature of the manifesto is a proposed independent performance council that would monitor government activities, evaluate the implementation of campaign promises and publicly report on the administration’s achievements and shortcomings.
According to Hamzat, the proposed council would independently assess the government’s performance and communicate its findings directly to Lagos residents.
“An independent performance council will review delivery and report directly to you as Lagosians,” he stated.
He added that an annual accountability document would measure every campaign promise against actual performance, with explanations and revised timelines provided whenever targets were not achieved.
“And every year, one document will set every promise against the result. Where we miss a target, that report will name it.
“That report will give us reason and set a new date,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from renowned Nigerian novelist, Chinua Achebe, the APC candidate said his proposed accountability framework, which he described as the Hamzat Compact, would empower residents to monitor government performance rather than leave the responsibility of evaluating governance solely in the hands of political office holders.
Quoting Achebe’s popular reflection on the importance of controlling one’s narrative, he said the initiative would give Lagosians the opportunity to document, scrutinise and assess the performance of their government.
“So, the Hamzat compact makes every Lagosian a historian of my government. It puts the pen in your hands. You check it, you track it, and you measure it,” he said.
Hamzat maintained that his ultimate ambition was to build a Lagos where economic opportunities, quality public services, security and infrastructure development would be accessible to all residents, irrespective of their backgrounds or locations.
