Hamzat Assures Ikorodu Residents of Urban Renewal and State Police Push
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has committed to a comprehensive urban renewal initiative and renewed advocacy for state police, should he secure his party's nomination and win the governorship in 2027. During a consultative tour in Ikorodu Division, Hamzat emphasized that Lagos's success is critical for Nigeria, stating, "If Lagos fails, Nigeria will experience untold difficulties." This visit comes amid ongoing uncertainty over consensus arrangements within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Stakeholders Express Support for Hamzat's Ambition
Hamzat was accompanied by notable figures including former senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Mutiu Are, Hon. Bode Oyedele, and Adekunle Olayinka, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works. He met with several dignitaries in Ikorodu, such as former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, ex-Commissioner for Agriculture Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, and APC chairman Olasunkanmi Tijani. Ogunleye welcomed Hamzat, noting that while Ikorodu indigenes had unfulfilled expectations, they remain supportive, saying, "We accept that His will has been done in the choice of Hamzat. We support you and pray that God will guide you."
At other stops, Olorunfemi Bashorun, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom and a member of the Governor's Advisory Council, expressed optimism about Hamzat's potential emergence, either through endorsement or primaries. He remarked, "I have no doubt about your competence, humility and dedication to duty. God, who helped your predecessors, will see you through." Similarly, former Head of Service Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe praised Hamzat's character and leadership capacity, while former Minister of Works Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe advised forming committees to lay a foundation for a successful administration.
Hamzat Highlights Challenges and Priorities for Lagos
In Kosofe, Pa Olumuyiwa Sosanya, another GAC member, recounted how he, President Bola Tinubu, and Senator Anthony Adefuye persuaded Hamzat to step down for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2019—a request Hamzat accepted. Responding to stakeholders, Hamzat assured that demands for urban renewal, improved infrastructure, and better amenities in Ikorodu Division would be prioritized. However, he cautioned about public resistance, stating, "People are often resistant to change, but without some level of sacrifice, it is difficult to achieve the kind of transformation we desire."
He also reiterated the importance of state policing, arguing it would enhance security in Lagos by addressing challenges linked to external actors. Hamzat emphasized that a more localized policing structure is necessary to tackle these issues effectively, underscoring his commitment to both urban development and security reforms as part of his 2027 campaign platform.
