The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has highlighted the professional background, administrative experience and political maturity of Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, describing them as important qualities for sustaining Lagos State’s development.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said Hamzat’s combination of technical expertise and years of service in government positioned him as a significant figure in discussions about the state’s future leadership.
Titled “At Fourteen, He Met a Sage; Today, He Is Building His Own Legacy,” the statement drew attention to the reported encounter between Hamzat and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo when the deputy governor was 14 years old.
According to the APC, the encounter may have served as an early source of inspiration for Hamzat, although his subsequent professional and political journey has been shaped by years of preparation, experience and public service.
The party stressed that historical associations and personal inspiration alone do not establish a leader’s legacy, noting that Hamzat must ultimately be judged by his own achievements, decisions and contributions to Lagos State.
APC HIGHLIGHTS HAMZAT’S GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE
The party cited Hamzat’s previous appointments as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, alongside his current position as deputy governor, as evidence of his exposure to critical areas of public administration.
Oladejo noted that governing Lagos, with its large population, economic importance, infrastructure demands and growing technological needs, requires leaders with a sound understanding of public policy, institutional operations and effective implementation.
He argued that technical knowledge and practical government experience were valuable assets in addressing the state’s complex developmental challenges.
According to the spokesman, leadership should be assessed by the ability to translate ideas and policies into measurable results rather than political rhetoric, social media visibility or constant criticism of opponents.
The APC maintained that the state’s future requires strategic planning, executive competence and a clear understanding of the machinery of government.
PROMISE AGENDA: FOCUS ON CONTINUITY AND INNOVATION
The statement also highlighted the Lagos PROMISE Agenda as a framework for sustaining the state’s developmental momentum while responding to emerging challenges.
The party identified infrastructure development, improved transportation, economic competitiveness, technological innovation, enterprise growth, youth opportunities and more responsive public services as key priorities for Lagos.
However, it acknowledged that policy documents and campaign promises must be backed by credible implementation plans and tangible benefits for residents.
Oladejo said the task ahead was to consolidate existing achievements, address shortcomings and introduce innovative solutions where changing circumstances demanded them.
He added that continuity should not become an excuse for complacency, just as innovation should not encourage reckless experimentation.
AWOLOWO’S LEGACY AND HAMZAT’S OWN PATH
Reflecting on the reported meeting between Hamzat and Awolowo, the APC described the encounter as an illustration of how exposure to exemplary leadership could inspire ambition and encourage a commitment to public service.
The party, however, emphasised that historical greatness could not be inherited merely through association or a shared name.
It said Hamzat’s professional preparation and experience in government provided a basis for assessing his leadership credentials, while his eventual legacy would depend on the quality of his decisions and the impact of his service on the people.
According to the statement, the values associated with effective leadership—including intellectual discipline, strategic thinking, purposeful ambition and commitment to development—must be demonstrated through practical accomplishments.
APC CALLS FOR ISSUE-BASED LEADERSHIP DEBATE
As discussions about Lagos State’s future leadership gather momentum, the party called for a more substantive debate centred on competence, experience, vision and preparedness.
It argued that the governorship of Lagos requires executive maturity, sound judgment and a thorough understanding of the state’s economic, social and administrative realities.
The APC maintained that candidates should be assessed on their capacity to sustain development, expand economic opportunities and respond effectively to residents’ expectations.
Concluding, Oladejo said Hamzat’s years in public service gave him substantial experience to contribute to the debate about Lagos’s future, adding that the ultimate test of leadership remained the ability to convert experience into results.
He stated that the state needed leadership that combined administrative competence with developmental vision and public responsibility, insisting that the electorate should prioritise substance, credible policies and the capacity to deliver over political spectacle.
