BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

Four candidates in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election have outlined contrasting plans to address the state’s major challenges, including flooding, traffic congestion, housing deficits and education.

The candidates — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — presented their positions on Sunday at a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos.

The debate featured sharp disagreements over the state’s development priorities, with opposition candidates criticising the APC-led government’s performance, while Hamzat defended its achievements and outlined plans to expand infrastructure and social services.

Flooding: Candidates Differ on Environmental Solutions

On flooding, Rhodes-Vivour blamed what he described as decades of poor governance for the environmental challenges facing Lagos residents. He promised a technology-driven approach to environmental management if elected.

The ADC candidate said his administration would prioritise public safety, environmental cleanliness and improved living conditions.

“All of us are experiencing the damage that has come from bad governance that has been endemic in this state for the last 20 years,” he said.

He added that his vision was to build a cleaner, safer and more affordable Lagos that would work for everyone, rather than a privileged few.

Hamzat, however, defended the state’s drainage infrastructure, describing the network as impressive. He argued that the priority should be to keep drainage channels free from obstruction to ensure the smooth flow of water into the creeks.

Traffic: Hamzat Unveils Multi-Modal Transportation Plans

On transportation, Hamzat outlined plans by the APC-led government to ease congestion through an integrated system involving rail, road and waterways.

He said the state was targeting the movement of one million passengers daily through the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

The APC candidate also disclosed plans to expand water transportation with 77 electric ferries, saying the initiative would help move more commuters through Lagos waterways.

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Defending the government’s investment in rail transportation, Hamzat argued that there was no example in Africa of the private sector independently funding a rail system.

Rhodes-Vivour, however, maintained that traffic congestion should not become an accepted part of everyday life. He advocated improvements in water transportation and the provision of additional infrastructure to ease movement across the state.

Housing: Rhodes-Vivour Promises 100,000 Units

Housing was another major area of disagreement, with Rhodes-Vivour promising to deliver more than 100,000 housing units if elected.

The ADC candidate said the homes would be made accessible to residents, accusing successive APC administrations of pursuing policies that favoured the wealthy at the expense of ordinary people, particularly those in rural communities.

 

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Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

He also questioned the impact of Lagos’ impressive internally generated revenue (IGR), arguing that the high revenue figures had not translated into better living conditions for many residents.

“Lagos celebrates high IGR, yet people are not experiencing it,” he said, promising to redirect government policies towards addressing the needs of residents struggling with the rising cost of living.

Hamzat, in response, said the state had developed 24 housing estates in the last eight years but acknowledged the need to expand access to affordable and quality accommodation.

He promised to make mortgage facilities more accessible and complete ongoing housing projects across the state.

The APC candidate also pledged to enforce the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency Law, which requires landlords to collect no more than one year’s rent in advance, rather than demand payment for multiple years.

He said stricter enforcement would help curb arbitrary rent demands and make accommodation more affordable.

Funsho Doherty is the NDC governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Education: Doherty Promises Truly Free Schooling

On education, NDC candidate Funso Doherty pledged to introduce genuinely free education in Lagos, insisting that no child should be denied schooling because of their parents’ financial circumstances.

He said his administration would focus on empowering residents through education and relevant skills to improve their economic opportunities.

Doherty stressed that free education must go beyond the removal of tuition fees to cover other charges, including examination fees and related expenses that place additional financial burdens on parents.

“So, our policies are aimed at capacitating the people, giving them skills, ensuring that there is no child born in Lagos who does not get an education because their parents cannot afford it.

“We have said we will make education truly free, not nominally free. Truly free, so people will not pay exam fees; they will not be asked to come and pay taxes at a point when they have to write their exams,” he said.

The debate provided voters with an opportunity to assess the candidates’ policy proposals and competing visions for Lagos ahead of the 2027 governorship election.