Obafemi Hamzat
Politics, at its finest, is about continuity, competence, and the ability to build on existing foundations while charting a fresh course for the future.
In Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and arguably its most strategically governed sub-national entity, the emergence of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to embody these qualities. If the ultimate test of democracy is placing capable hands on the steering wheel of governance, then Lagos may once again have gotten it right.
Dr. Hamzat’s political journey is neither accidental nor sudden. It is the product of years of service, preparation, loyalty, and consistent engagement with the Lagos governance architecture. Long before he became Deputy Governor, he had established himself as a technocrat and public servant of considerable substance. His tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology and later Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under the administration of Babatunde Fashola demonstrated a capacity for innovation, strategic planning, and execution.
Perhaps one of Hamzat’s greatest strengths is that he understands Lagos from the inside. He has been part of the system that transformed the state from a sprawling megacity struggling with infrastructure deficits into a globally recognised model of urban governance in Africa. He has witnessed firsthand the evolution of policies, institutions, and development initiatives that have made Lagos the envy of many states.
His emergence also speaks to another important factor in governance: loyalty. In an era when political ambition often breeds unnecessary conflict and division, Hamzat has remained remarkably loyal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and to the broader progressive movement that has shaped Lagos politics since 1999. As Deputy Governor, he has served with dignity, discipline, and a notable absence of political drama. Rather than seeking the limelight, he has focused on supporting the administration and ensuring the successful implementation of government policies.
Such loyalty should not be mistaken for passivity. Rather, it reflects an understanding that effective leadership often requires teamwork, patience, and a commitment to collective goals. Hamzat’s conduct in office has reinforced his reputation as a dependable and mature leader whose primary focus remains service rather than self-promotion.
Beyond loyalty lies competence. Lagos is not a state that can afford governance experiments. With a population larger than that of many African countries and an economy that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, the state requires leaders who possess institutional memory and administrative experience. Hamzat checks both boxes.
The expectation among many Lagosians is that, if elected governor, he will provide continuity while also bringing his own ideas and innovations to governance. Continuity should never be confused with stagnation. Rather, it means preserving what works while improving what can work better. The best leaders understand that progress is cumulative.
Hamzat would be inheriting a rich legacy of governance built over nearly three decades by successive administrations. From the visionary political architecture laid by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the infrastructural revolution of Babatunde Fashola, the pragmatic governance style of Akinwunmi Ambode, and the people-centred developmental initiatives of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has benefited from a tradition of leadership that values planning, institution-building, and long-term thinking.
Each administration has left its unique footprint on the sands of Lagos history. Tinubu built the foundations. Fashola expanded the infrastructure. Ambode accelerated urban renewal. Sanwo-Olu deepened transportation reforms, expanded social interventions, and continued the transformation agenda. Hamzat, having participated in several phases of this journey, is uniquely positioned to consolidate these gains and write his own chapter.
What makes his candidacy particularly compelling is the fact that he is not coming into government as an outsider. He understands the challenges of transportation, housing, healthcare, education, technology, and security because he has helped shape policies in those sectors. He understands the expectations of Lagosians because he has spent years engaging with the realities of governance.
No leader is perfect, and no administration is without challenges. Lagos remains confronted by issues such as traffic congestion, urban migration, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure demands arising from rapid population growth. Yet these are challenges that require experienced hands, strategic thinking, and an appreciation of the state’s developmental trajectory.
Dr. Obafemi Hamzat represents a blend of experience, intellect, loyalty, and continuity. His academic background, administrative competence, and long immersion in the Lagos governance ecosystem provide strong credentials for higher office. More importantly, he carries the promise of building upon the achievements of his predecessors while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.
As Lagos prepares for another chapter in its remarkable political story, many observers see in Hamzat a steady hand capable of preserving the state’s progressive tradition. If leadership is ultimately about preparation meeting opportunity, then Dr. Obafemi Hamzat appears ready for the moment. And if the people of Lagos entrust him with the governorship, history may well record that, once again, Lagos got it right.
– Azuh Arinze, FNGE, is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Anything and Everything Journalism, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Conversations with Showbiz Stars, My Story of Many Colours, etc
