Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his ADC counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, presented sharply different development visions during the 2026 Lagos State Governorship Debate. The candidates detailed their policy proposals and governing philosophies, with both placing strong emphasis on housing, transportation, security, infrastructure, and accountable governance.
Hamzat opened by calling the debate a job interview, asserting that his years of public service had prepared him for the role of governor. He cited his background as a teacher, case manager in New York, and systems manager before entering public service. He highlighted his tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, which he said equipped him to oversee the development of residents and structural databases, as well as his work as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, where he led the team that delivered the decade-long bridge project — the first cable bridge in West Africa and second in Africa.
On governance philosophy, Hamzat identified respect for citizens, hard work, and truthfulness as guiding principles. He argued that government must prioritise actual work over political announcements and maintain transparency by honestly informing citizens about its activities.
He unveiled his development blueprint, titled Jacob's Promise, built around seven pillars, seven broad areas of action, and 100 pledges. Hamzat urged voters to evaluate candidates based on the substance of their plans rather than superficial political promises.
Rhodes-Vivour, by contrast, called for an end to what he described as two decades of poor governance in Lagos. He insisted that the state must serve all residents equally rather than a privileged few, and that any candidate seeking to govern a state of approximately 20 million people must demonstrate a track record of prioritising public interest over personal ambition.
His manifesto adopted an integrated approach to urban development, arguing that waste management, housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and urban planning are interconnected. On housing, he pledged to deliver 100,000 units within four years through luxury taxation to fund social housing, development of the eastern foreshore and intergenerational areas, and decentralised planning across the state.
He also proposed expanding rail infrastructure, promising to connect the state's rail lines within two and a half years through a private-sector-driven approach that would be transparent, equitable, and cost-effective.
Both candidates used the debate platform to distinguish themselves ahead of the governorship election, each presenting a comprehensive vision shaped by their respective party's platforms and personal experience.