Obafemi Hamzat: Once again, Lagos is right, by Azuh Arinze

Politics, at its best, is about continuity, competence and the ability to build on existing foundations while charting a new course for the future. In Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center and arguably its most strategically governed subnational 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 to put capable hands on the steering wheel of governance, then Lagos may once again have got it right.

Dr. Hamzat’s political path is neither random nor sudden. It is the product of years of service, preparation, loyalty and commitment consistent with the governance architecture of Lagos. 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 Babatunde Fashola administration demonstrated innovation, strategic planning and execution.

Perhaps one of Hamzat’s greatest strengths is that he understands Lagos from the inside. It was part of the system that transformed the state from a sprawling megacity grappling with infrastructure deficits into a globally recognized 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.

Its appearance also speaks to another important factor in governance: loyalty. In an era where political ambition often breeds unnecessary conflict and division, Hamzat has remained remarkably loyal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and 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 focused on supporting the administration and ensuring the successful implementation of government policies.

Such loyalty should not be confused with passivity. Rather, it reflects an understanding that effective leadership often requires teamwork, patience, and commitment to collective goals. Hamzat’s conduct in office has strengthened his reputation as a reliable and mature leader whose primary focus remains service rather than self-promotion.
Beyond loyalty there is 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 of many Lagosians is that if elected governor, he will ensure continuity while bringing his own ideas and innovations to governance. Continuity should never be confused with stagnation. Rather, it means preserving what works and at the same time improving what can work better. The best leaders understand that progress is cumulative.

Hamzat will inherit a rich legacy of governance built over nearly three decades by successive administrations. From the visionary political architecture envisioned by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the infrastructure revolution of Babatunde Fashola, to the pragmatic governance style of Akinwunmi Ambode and the people-centered development 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 imprint on the sands of Lagos history. Tinubu built the foundation. Fashola expanded the infrastructure. Understanding accelerated urban renewal. Sanwo-Olu deepened transport reforms, expanded social interventions and advanced the transformation agenda. Hamzat, having participated in several phases of this journey, is in a unique position to consolidate these findings and write his own chapter.

What makes his candidacy particularly compelling is that he will not enter government as an outsider. He understands the challenges of transportation, housing, healthcare, education, technology and security because he has helped shape policies in those areas. 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 free from challenges. Lagos still faces issues such as traffic congestion, urban migration, environmental sustainability and infrastructure demands resulting from rapid population growth. Yet these are challenges that require expert hands, strategic thinking and an assessment of the state’s development trajectory.

Dr Obafemi Hamzat represents a blend of experience, intellect, loyalty and continuity. His academic background, administrative expertise and long immersion in the Lagos governance ecosystem provide strong credentials for higher office. More importantly, it delivers on the promise of building on the achievements of its predecessors, while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.

As Lagos prepares for another chapter in its remarkable political history, many observers see Hamzat as a steady hand capable of preserving the state’s progressive tradition. If leadership is ultimately about preparing for meeting opportunities, then Dr. Obafemi Hamzat seems ready for the moment. And if the people of Lagos entrust him with the governorship, history may well record that, once again, Lagos was right.

*Azuh Arinze, FNGE, is the publisher/editor-in-chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books such as 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 Colors, etc.