Lagos Governorship Candidates Clash Over Policy Priorities Ahead of 2027 Election

As the 2027 Lagos State governorship election approaches, four key candidates gathered for a debate organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium to outline their strategies for the state’s future. The event featured Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat (APC), Funso Doherty (NDC), and Deji Doherty (PDP), who presented divergent views on how to manage the state’s rapid growth and infrastructure demands.

Infrastructure and Environmental Management

Flooding and waste management emerged as major points of contention. ADC candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour attributed Lagos’s environmental challenges to decades of governance failures, proposing a technology-driven approach to environmental management. In contrast, APC candidate Obafemi Hamzat defended the current administration’s drainage infrastructure, characterizing the network as effective and emphasizing the need to keep existing channels clear of debris.

On the issue of waste, PDP candidate Deji Doherty criticized the current collection rates, arguing that the system is failing to meet the needs of the population. Hamzat acknowledged the difficulty of waste management in a densely populated area with limited landmass, noting that the government is shifting its focus from simple dumping to material recovery.

Transportation and Mobility

Transportation policy highlighted a divide between the incumbent administration’s current trajectory and the opposition’s proposed changes. Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor, touted the APC’s multi-modal plan, which includes the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and the introduction of 77 electric ferries. He defended the state’s investment in rail, noting the difficulty of securing private sector funding for such projects in Africa. Rhodes-Vivour countered by arguing that the current level of traffic congestion should not be accepted as a standard of living, calling for more aggressive infrastructure expansion.

Housing and Economic Policy

Housing remains a critical issue, with Rhodes-Vivour promising the delivery of over 100,000 housing units to address the supply deficit. He criticized the current administration for prioritizing internally generated revenue over the welfare of residents. Hamzat pointed to the completion of 24 housing estates over the past eight years and pledged to enforce the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency Law to curb arbitrary rent demands, specifically targeting the practice of demanding multi-year rent payments.

Education and Fiscal Concerns

NDC candidate Funso Doherty focused on social policy, pledging to make education “truly free” by eliminating hidden costs such as exam fees and providing daily meals for public school students. Meanwhile, PDP candidate Deji Doherty raised alarms regarding the state’s debt profile, stating that debt servicing costs between ₦19 billion and ₦20 billion are placing a significant burden on the economy. He also advocated for greater financial independence for local government areas.

The debate, hosted by a consortium including Channels Television and other major media outlets, marks the beginning of a series aimed at providing voters with a clearer understanding of candidate platforms before the February 6, 2027, election.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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