Four candidates in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election have presented contrasting plans for tackling housing shortages, flooding, traffic congestion, transportation and other challenges facing the state.
The candidates — Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Funsho Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Adedeji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — spoke at a debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos.
Funsho Doherty said Lagos was operating far below its potential, arguing that residents were struggling despite the state’s substantial revenue.
He faulted the government over what he described as inadequate public services, particularly in housing, education, healthcare and transportation.
Rhodes-Vivour also criticised successive administrations, accusing them of prioritising the interests of the wealthy over ordinary residents. He promised to provide at least 100,000 housing units and expand rail, water and other transport options.
Hamzat, however, defended the APC government’s record, citing housing estates, infrastructure projects and plans to expand public transportation. He said his administration would build on existing programmes and improve access to mortgages and affordable housing.
On flooding, Rhodes-Vivour called for stronger environmental planning and protection of wetlands, warning that indiscriminate sand-filling could worsen the state’s vulnerability.
Hamzat identified climate change, heavy rainfall and Lagos’ low-lying geography as major challenges, while defending the government’s drainage and environmental interventions.
The candidates also disagreed over the financing of rail projects. Rhodes-Vivour argued that private-sector investment could accelerate delivery, while Hamzat maintained that government funding was necessary to establish rail infrastructure before private operators could take over.
The debate further examined the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, rent increases, healthcare, waste management and the October 20, 2020, Lekki tollgate shooting.
On rent, Rhodes-Vivour proposed requiring landlords to give tenants at least six months’ notice before increasing rents, while Funsho Doherty argued that the fundamental problem was insufficient housing supply.
Adedeji Doherty proposed that government could rent houses from landlords and make them available to residents at affordable rates.
The candidates also outlined different healthcare plans, including expanding emergency services, improving health insurance coverage and increasing funding for public hospitals.
The debate provided an opportunity for the candidates to defend their records and present policy proposals ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with sharp differences emerging over how best to address Lagos’ development challenges.
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