The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate’s focus is inclusive governance and continued shared progress the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (PBAT-KOH) Campaign Council said on Sunday.
According to the campaign organisation Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat will unveil his campaign manifesto on Friday at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre) Iganmu Lagos from 3 pm to 5 pm under these broad themes.
The Campaign Council Director-General Senator Musiliu Obanikoro said the unveiling would provide the platform for Dr. Hamzat to present his vision priorities and plans for the continued development of our state.
Accompanied by other campaign council members Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso Hakeem Bello Rasak Ajala Seye Oladejo Bola Akingbehin Gboyega Akosile and Sesan Daini the Director-General emphasised the importance of electioneering to Lagosians.
Obanikoro said the future of Lagos is too important to leave to chance because today’s decisions will determine the opportunities available to children the strength of the economy and the quality of life for Lagosians.
He said: ‘Lagos has made significant progress over the years but we are not unaware that more work lies ahead. Our responsibility is to protect the gains we have made address the challenges that remain and build a state that offers greater opportunities to all.’
Obanikoro added ‘Our campaign is anchored on two principles: continued shared progress and inclusiveness.
‘Continued Shared progress means working together to build a stronger Lagos on the foundation and master plan creating more opportunities and improving the lives of our people without a break in continuity.
‘Inclusivity means that nobody should be left behind because of religion tribe gender social status or place of origin.’
Shedding light on inclusive governance Obanikoro said ‘Lagos belongs to all of us for those who call it home while respecting and preserving the indigenous people of Lagos State.’
He said every resident and taxpayer has a stake in Lagos’ future adding that every community deserves to be heard.
Obanikoro added ‘Our differences should not divide us. They should strengthen our resolve to work together for the common good.’
The former Minister of State for Defence said Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot be complete without recognising Lagos State’s important role.
He said that as Africa’s global city of commerce investment technology innovation and culture Lagos contributes greatly to the nation’s economic growth and democratic development.
Obanikoro stressed: ‘With an estimated population of about 25 million people a relatively limited landmass and the pressures that come with a cosmopolitan society Lagos faces serious demands in transportation human capital development housing infrastructure security healthcare and environmental management.
‘These challenges require experienced leadership careful planning and the ability to deliver results. Lagos needs a government that understands its people builds on past achievements and responds to the demands of a growing population.’
Obanikoro said that since President Tinubu’s tenure as governor successive administrations have contributed to Lagos State’s development adding that his successors Babatunde Fashola Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu have built on earlier foundations in infrastructure transportation education healthcare the creative economy urban development and economic growth.
He added ‘We recognise these achievements while acknowledging that important challenges remain.
‘Continuity is not about doing things the same way simply because they have been done before. It is about protecting what works correcting what needs improvement and building on existing progress.
‘Lagos cannot afford to lose valuable experience or abandon the foundations on which its considerable development has been built. We must move forward with clear plans and practical solutions.’
Obanikoro who spoke on the value of experience flaunted Hamzat’s credentials.
The governorship candidate earned a PhD in Systems Process Engineering from Cranfield University England at 28. He also worked with top global organisations including Merrill Lynch Morgan Stanley and Citibank in the United States before entering public service.
His private-sector experience where he gained business and management knowledge complements his years in public service as a three-time commissioner and deputy governor of Lagos State.
Obanikoro said ‘This combination gives him an understanding of both business and government and how to use that knowledge to address the needs of Lagos and improve the lives of its people.’
Highlighting experience as a core factor in governance he said Lagosians can see the progress made under Sanwo-Olu’s administration where Hamzat serves as deputy governor.
He added ‘From the Blue and Red rail lines to hundreds of completed roads and bridges improvements in schools and hospitals enhancing the culture and creative economy to global-level new housing projects and support for businesses and young people the administration has continued to develop the state and improve public services.
‘Dr Hamzat will draw on his experience in government to build on these gains address existing challenges and deepen the progress for the benefit of all Lagosians.’
Obanikoro emphasised that ‘this campaign is about the people of Lagos.’
He explained that Hamzat and the campaign organisation have embarked on wide consultations with different groups across the state.
These include religious leaders and religious institutions traditional rulers market women traders young people professionals artisans community leaders and other stakeholders.
He said: ‘We have engaged people from different backgrounds communities and walks of life. We understand that Lagos is diverse and its development must reflect the needs and aspirations of all its residents.
‘These consultations are important because we believe that leadership must listen before it acts. We want ordinary Lagosians’ concerns to inform our priorities. We want a development agenda that reflects the realities of our people.’
Obanikoro disclosed that the manifesto launch on Friday October 30 2026 will be broadcast live from 3 pm to 5 pm on television stations and digital media platforms – Channels TV ARISE TV TVC LTV News Central YouTube Facebook and Instagram handles- providing Lagosians with the opportunity to follow the presentation and understand the candidate’s plans.
Following the presentation he said arrangements will be made to make the manifesto available for download so interested members of the public can study the proposals and provide feedback through the appropriate party channels because no manifesto can be complete without the contributions of the people it is intended to serve.
Obanikoro said Lagosians are welcome to share constructive comments suggestions and feedback after the presentation.
He added ‘The choice before Lagos is about the future we want to build and how best to sustain our progress. Our campaign clearly commits to shared goals inclusivity experience and continued development.
‘Our commitment is to move forward build on our achievements and work together for a better state. The message of this campaign is clear: Lagos let us move forward together.’