The Lagos State Deputy Governor and 2027 APC governorship candidate in the state on Sunday, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said many politicians aspiring to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 lacked the vision required to transform Nigeria.

Mr Hamzat stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairmen’s Forum during their visit to key infrastructure projects in the state.

Members of the forum visited the deputy governor at his residence in Ikoyi.

Decrying criticism of Mr Tinubu by some presidential candidates, Mr Hamzat said, “Many who want to lead do not have vision. We are thankful that we have visionary leaders. Many could not see what Asiwaju Tinubu saw years ago.”

Mr Hamzat described Mr Tinubu as an inclusive leader who encouraged innovation and welcomed superior ideas irrespective of their source.

He stated, “Nobody is too small before the President. If your idea is superior, it overrides that of the President. He allows ideas to germinate.”

The deputy governor said Mr Tinubu’s decision to establish certain agencies reflected his understanding that specialised institutions could deliver better results than conventional ministries.

He said many of the landmark projects transforming the state presently were products of Mr Tinubu’s foresight and vision

Mr Hamzat listed such projects as the rail lines, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway among others.

He said, “Building these projects is not just to move people; it is to industrialise our country and to connect the people.”

He stated improved transport and infrastructure connectivity would promote commerce, strengthen national integration and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Mr Hamzat said Mr Tinubu’s ability to attract local and foreign investors was a direct result of his visionary leadership and long-term development strategy.

He urged APC state chairmen to work closely with their governors because of their strategic position within the party structure.

He said, “It is important that we build our party.”

Mr Hamzat also urged elected office holders to appreciate the significance of political parties and learn from successful democracies across the world.

“We must let every elected office holder know the value and significance of the party. As a country, we must make sure that we build this country. We must not fail our people,” he said.

He called on leaders at all levels of government to remain accountable, reminding them that they would ultimately give account of their stewardship before God.

Mr Hamzat said Nigeria was endowed with intelligent and talented people but had continued to suffer setbacks because citizens often allowed minor differences to divide them.

According to him, leadership should be driven by service, stressing that a person’s true worth is best appreciated through commitment to the welfare of the people.

Responding on behalf of the forum, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, who appreciated the warm reception, described Lagos as a state of distinction for emulation.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Isaac Sankey, said the party’s state chairmen were impressed by the development strides recorded in Lagos under Mr Tinubu’s leadership as former governor.

Mr Sankey said the visit afforded the delegation the opportunity to witness projects that reflected Mr Tinubu’s vision, adding that the foundation laid during his tenure had continued to drive Lagos’ development.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and expressed confidence in the President’s vision for Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described Lagos as a model for other states, saying its remarkable transformation reflected purposeful and visionary leadership.

“The way and manner you project the ideals of this state is huge, and we are proud of it. Lagos is a model to other states. We are in no doubt whatsoever that you will follow the great steps laid by the President,” Mr Ntukekpo said.

Earlier, the chairman of the forum and Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said his colleague were in Lagos for a three-day visit to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

(NAN)