- PDP Better Positioned to Deliver Tinubu’s Reforms in Lagos – Doherty
- Says Lagos Must Support Tinubu’s Agenda for It to Work
- Unveils 10-Point Agenda
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos election, Adedeji Doherty, has said the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda largely depends on Lagos State, insisting that the PDP is better equipped to translate federal policies into tangible benefits for residents, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Doherty argued that despite being Nigeria’s economic and financial hub, Lagos has failed to effectively complement federal initiatives in key sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, power supply and security.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Argument Over Pot of Soup Lands Aba Man in Police Custody
- The Ajayi Estate Case and Africa’s Legal Dilemma
- Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Insecurity
He declared his intention to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 governorship election, maintaining that his years of political involvement in Lagos have earned him recognition across party lines.
“I wouldn’t want to say too much today, but I want to let you know that we will challenge the sitting government in Lagos. We are going to play as a team, play fair and square, and present what we believe Lagosians truly need,” he said.
Doherty described himself as an entrepreneur and industrialist with practical experience in business development, stressing that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, must align more effectively with the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
According to him, policies under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including fuel subsidy removal, power sector reforms and youth empowerment programmes, cannot fully impact Nigerians without corresponding efforts from the Lagos State Government.
“Mr President can do all he wants at the federal level, but where you do not have Lagos attached to the execution of what he is doing, it will not really show and have an effect on the generality of the people,” he stated.
Doherty noted that Lagos has between 20 million and 25 million residents and about 13 million registered voters, making it critical to the success of national economic policies.
The PDP chieftain criticised the state government for what he described as inadequate investment in social infrastructure despite generating about N3.3 trillion annually in revenue.
“We have not gotten a new general hospital in the past 25 years. We still have traffic congestion at the same level we had 15 years ago despite the Blue and Red Rail projects,” he said.
He unveiled plans for a 10-point development agenda focusing on roads, education, healthcare, housing, water supply, power, security and youth empowerment.
Doherty said his administration would prioritise reducing electricity costs by investing in distribution companies and making power more affordable for small businesses.
“Let Lagos subsidise power. Let us invest in the DISCOs and ensure barbers, tailors, welders and other artisans enjoy reliable and affordable electricity,” he said.
On security, Doherty proposed deploying drones and advanced surveillance systems, arguing that safeguarding Lagos also requires strengthening security efforts in neighbouring states.
“I must keep Lagos safe. To do that, I have to keep Oyo safe, Ondo safe and even parts of the Niger Delta safe because criminals can easily move into Lagos, commit crimes and escape,” he added.
