Four candidates contesting the 2027 Lagos State governorship election have presented competing plans for the state’s development, with flooding, traffic congestion, housing, education and the rising cost of living dominating their debate.
The candidates, Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke on Sunday, November 8, during a debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium at The Hub by IALA, Lekki, Lagos.
The event provided an opportunity for the candidates to explain their policy proposals, defend their positions and respond to questions about the challenges facing residents of the state.
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Opposition Candidates Criticise Lagos Government Over Persistent Challenges
During the debate, Rhodes-Vivour criticised successive Lagos administrations, describing the state’s persistent challenges as consequences of what he called years of poor governance.
He called for a cleaner, safer and more affordable Lagos, arguing that government policies should benefit ordinary residents rather than only privileged groups.
On flooding, the ADC candidate promised a technology-driven approach to environmental management, alongside improved waste management and measures to protect residents.
Hamzat, however, defended the government’s existing drainage infrastructure, describing the network as impressive and stressing the need to keep drainage channels free from blockages.
The candidates also disagreed over how best to address the state’s persistent traffic congestion.
Candidates Present Different Transportation Plans
Hamzat outlined plans to expand Lagos’ public transportation system through an integrated network of roads, railways and waterways.
He promised to increase the state’s public bus fleet from approximately 1,000 to 4,000, using compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses, with a target of moving one million passengers daily.
The APC candidate also disclosed plans to introduce 77 electric ferries to strengthen water transportation and provide commuters with additional travel options.
He further promised to extend the Blue Line rail towards Okokomaiko and advance the Green Line towards the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Rhodes-Vivour, on his part, proposed connecting the state’s rail lines within two and a half years, alongside improvements to water transportation and other infrastructure.
Funso Doherty criticised the existing public transportation system, alleging that vested interests surrounding informal transport operations had frustrated efforts to modernise the sector.
He argued that Lagos needed a more organised and efficient transportation system to reduce congestion and improve commuters’ experiences.
Housing: Candidates Propose Different Solutions
Housing affordability was another major issue during the debate, with the candidates presenting different approaches to addressing the shortage of affordable accommodation.
Hamzat said the current administration had delivered 24 housing estates comprising about 18,000 housing units over the last eight years.
He promised to introduce a mortgage arrangement that would allow residents to own homes with an initial 10 per cent deposit and spread the remaining payment over 25 years.
He also pledged to enforce the existing one-year rent limit to prevent landlords and agents from demanding multiple years’ rent in advance.
Rhodes-Vivour proposed delivering 100,000 housing units within four years through measures including luxury taxation, development of the eastern foreshore and decentralisation of housing projects.
Funso Doherty proposed a more ambitious housing programme, promising approximately 150,000 affordable housing units during his first term.
He argued that increasing housing supply was necessary to address the growing demand for accommodation in Lagos.
Deji Doherty suggested that the state government could directly develop and rent houses to residents, providing an alternative to the private rental market.
Funso Doherty Promises Truly Free Education
Education also featured prominently during the debate, with Funso Doherty promising to make public education genuinely free if elected governor.
The NDC candidate argued that removing school fees alone was insufficient if parents still had to pay examination fees and other charges that could prevent children from completing their education.
He promised that pupils would no longer be required to pay examination fees and proposed providing one affordable meal daily for children in public schools.
Doherty said his administration would prioritise education and skills development to improve opportunities for residents.
Deji Doherty Raises Concerns Over Lagos Debt
The PDP candidate, Deji Doherty, raised concerns about the state’s debt obligations, arguing that the cost of servicing domestic and external debts was putting pressure on government finances.
He estimated that Lagos spent between ₦19 billion and ₦20 billion on debt servicing, describing the financial burden as a concern for the state’s economic development.
He also called for greater independence and resources for local government areas, arguing that councils should have the capacity to address problems affecting residents at the grassroots.
On electricity, he proposed measures to reduce the burden of power costs on businesses and residents, including power rebates.
Hamzat Defends Sanwo-Olu Administration
While the opposition candidates questioned aspects of the state’s development record, Hamzat defended the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in which he has served as deputy governor for almost eight years.
He acknowledged that there were areas requiring improvement but maintained that his experience in government had prepared him for the responsibility of leading Lagos.
Describing the debate as a job interview, Hamzat said voters should assess candidates based on their experience and what they had accomplished in preparation for the position.
He identified respect for citizens, hard work and truthfulness as the principles that would guide his administration.
The APC candidate also presented his development blueprint, known as The Lagos Promise or Ileri Eko, which is built around seven pillars and 100 commitments covering major sectors of the state’s economy.
Debate Holds Ahead of 2027 Governorship Election
The Lagos governorship debate was the first in the Nigeria Debate Consortium’s national series ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The consortium comprises Channels Television, TVC News, The PUNCH, TheCable and Vanguard.
The candidates were given the opportunity to present their positions on transportation, infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare, security, employment and economic development.
The debate comes ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election in Lagos, as the candidates seek to convince residents of their respective plans for the state’s future.
