The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress says its governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, demonstrated experience, preparedness and policy depth at a Lagos governorship debate on Sunday.

The party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement on Monday. Mr Oladejo said the deputy governor’s performance demonstrated his understanding of governance, institutional capacity and the complexities of managing Lagos as Africa’s largest sub-national economy.

He said the debate allowed residents to assess the candidates’ policy proposals and understanding of the state’s developmental challenges.

According to him, Hamzat used the platform to explain the policy direction of his manifesto, The Lagos Promise, and demonstrate his readiness to govern Lagos.

Mr Oladejo said, “Beyond the substance of his policy presentation, Mr Hamzat displayed remarkable preparedness, passion, commitment and an unmistakable determination to perform.

“His command of the issues, depth of institutional knowledge and familiarity with the workings of government were particularly instructive,” the statement noted. “He demonstrated an appreciation of the fact that governance is not merely about making attractive promises but about understanding the processes, structures and institutional capacities required to translate vision into tangible results.”

The APC spokesman said Mr Hamzat’s calmness, confidence and responses reflected his understanding of the responsibilities associated with public office. He added that the candidate’s experience in Lagos governance distinguished him from those seeking to govern the state without sufficient institutional knowledge.

Mr Oladejo explained that the deputy governor’s description of the debate as a job interview underscored the importance of experience and practical knowledge in governing Lagos.

“Governing Lagos is not an experimental exercise, nor is it an assignment for political apprentices. It requires a thorough understanding of the machinery of government, the peculiarities of the state’s economy and the intricate relationship between policy formulation and implementation,” Mr Hamzat said.

(NAN)