Lagos 2027; Why Dr Obafemi Hamzat is Preferred,
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
For the period under review, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos Deputy Governor has spent an exceptionally long time in the corridors of power in Lagos State to his advantage and also experienced in that regard
Fourteen years as a commissioner and nearly Eight years as Deputy Governor in the current dispensation unblemish.
At this point, a simple , naturally and by performance, he should take charge of Lagos State in the next dispensation, with the large resume and wealth of experience.
What exactly is left for him to become in Lagos State is the first citizen
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor from 2005–2007 he was Commissioner for Science & Technology, while under Babatunde Fashola
2007–2015 , he was also Commissioner, Science & Technology, later Works & Infrastructure.
Akinwunmi Ambode also appointed him in 2015–2019 as Commissioner for Works / Infrastructure purely on merit.
Hamzat was later elected Deputy Governor of Lagos State in 2019 owing to his loyalty, diligence, commitment to duty and development of the state :
From 2019– 2027 totalling 22 years in top-level governance positions to become the helmsman of Lagos State
With over two decades in government is not a small matter and experience. It reflects deep access, influence, and opportunities.
With that level of exposure, the expectation is clear—visible, measurable impact most importantly loyalty.
To be fair to him , we ask:
Has that long period not translated into the kind of transformational leadership that justifies another promotion?
Public office is not hereditary, but performance and loyalty, It is a call to serve, not a permanent entitlement bringing Dr Hamzat into fore as a corrolary.
There are also concerns about political alignments and loyalties. History shows that internal party dynamics in Lagos have often been shaped by powerful alliances.
Some believe that past contests—such as the primary contest involving Akinwunmi Ambode—highlights how these loyalties play out behind the scenes.
Given this, stakeholders—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should carefully weigh not just experience, but consistency, independence, and commitment,above all to Lagos State devoid of factional interests, when considering future leadership in the next dispensation, a situation that brought Governor Babajide Sanwolu form nowhere to somewhere.
Experience alone is not enough, but a prelude which Dr Obafemi Hamzat possesses.
After over 20 years in power, the real question is it’s positive and glaring impacts, underlining the ambition.
Let’s streamline and align our political differences, internal mechanism to elect Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the next Lagos State Governor in 2027.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 26TH 2026)



