By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos, Nigeria -November 8, 2026
Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have presented contrasting policy proposals on housing, transportation, education, flooding and economic development during a governorship debate in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates, Obafemi Hamzat (APC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (ADC), Funso Doherty (NDC) and Adedeji Doherty (PDP), presented their respective agendas on Sunday at a debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, providing an opportunity to examine their plans for addressing challenges confronting residents of the state.
The debate featured disagreements over the performance of successive administrations, particularly in infrastructure, housing affordability, environmental management and the delivery of essential public services.
On transportation, Hamzat, who is the incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos State, defended the government’s infrastructure investments, outlining plans to expand the state’s multimodal transportation system.
He disclosed that the government was targeting the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to move about one million passengers daily, alongside plans to introduce 77 electric ferries to strengthen water transportation.
However, Rhodes-Vivour criticised aspects of the state’s development priorities, arguing that Lagos needed policies that would address the everyday challenges of ordinary residents rather than favour privileged sections of society.
On housing, the ADC candidate promised to deliver more than 100,000 affordable housing units if elected, with transparent allocation arrangements to prevent individuals from monopolising multiple properties.
Hamzat, in his response, said the state had established 24 housing estates within eight years and promised to expand mortgage opportunities, complete ongoing housing projects and enforce existing regulations against landlords demanding multiple years’ rent in advance.
Education also featured prominently, with Funso Doherty promising to make public education genuinely free, including the removal of examination fees and other charges that could prevent children from completing their education.
The NDC candidate also proposed providing pupils in public schools with an affordable daily meal, stressing the importance of ensuring that financial difficulties do not deprive children of educational opportunities.
On his part, PDP candidate Adedeji Doherty raised concerns about Lagos State’s debt obligations, arguing that the cost of servicing domestic and external debts was placing pressure on the state’s finances.
READ ALSO:Ajadi Mourns Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Sonuga, Commiserates with Royal Family
He also advocated stronger local government administration, arguing that councils should have sufficient resources to address the needs of communities at the grassroots.
On flooding and environmental management, Rhodes-Vivour advocated a technology-driven approach, alongside better urban planning and environmental protection, while Hamzat defended the state’s existing drainage infrastructure, emphasising the need to keep drainage channels free of blockages.
READ ALSO:Zinoleesky Joins Sony Music Publishing, Expands Global Reach
The debate provided the four candidates with an opportunity to explain their policy priorities, defend their positions and present alternative approaches to governance ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship election.
READ ALSO:Hamzat Unveils 100-Point Lagos Manifesto, Promises 4,000 Buses
The Merit Newspaper reports that the different proposals highlighted the major issues confronting Lagos, particularly the need for affordable housing, efficient transportation, quality education, effective environmental management and responsible management of public resources.
