The four leading Lagos governorship candidates have outlined contrasting plans to tackle housing shortages, transportation challenges, high electricity costs and poor access to basic services ahead of the 2027 election.
Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presented their proposals on Sunday during a debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium.
Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, promised to enforce the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency Law, which restricts landlords to collecting one year’s rent in advance.
He also pledged to curb arbitrary rent increases and expand access to affordable housing through mortgage facilities.
He said the state had developed 24 housing estates in the past eight years and would complete ongoing projects.
On transportation, Hamzat said the government was targeting one million daily passengers through a fleet of 4,000 compressed natural gas buses. He also announced plans to expand water transport with 77 electric ferries.
He pledged to increase the number of flagship primary health care centres from 87 to 150, with round-the-clock services.
Rhodes-Vivour criticised the APC government, accusing successive administrations of prioritising the interests of the wealthy over those of ordinary residents.
He promised to deliver more than 100,000 housing units and introduce technology-driven measures to tackle flooding.
“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 for “a Lagos that works for everybody, not just the privileged few.”
The PDP candidate, Deji Doherty, promised electricity rebates for residents and businesses to reduce operating costs and support industrial growth.
“On my first day, I’m going to make sure that you get some money put back into your pockets. I’m going to make sure that I give you rebates on power, especially power,” he said.
He questioned the feasibility of ambitious housing targets, citing the high cost of land and building materials. He instead proposed setting up a research team to identify ways to reduce construction costs.
The NDC candidate, Funso Doherty, called for stronger government involvement in providing affordable housing, arguing that private developers could not meet the state’s growing demand alone.
He described arbitrary rent increases as “a form of racketeering” and promised to establish an ombudsman’s office to handle tenant complaints.
“The larger solution of the problem is due to supply. Housing supply has not kept up with growing demand,” he said.
Funso Doherty also argued that government should take the lead in providing social housing, adding that private developers alone could not address the crisis.
The debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, also addressed security, education, health care and job creation.
The candidates used the platform to present competing policy proposals as they seek support ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
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