The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Deji Doherty, has unveiled a 10-point agenda focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development.

Mr Doherty, in a statement, urged Lagos youths to participate actively in the 2027 elections to promote accountable governance and bring about political change.

The candidate identified roads and transportation, education, healthcare, housing, security, youth empowerment, water, power, economic enablement and inclusive governance as priority areas of his proposed administration.

He said the agenda was designed to address the challenges confronting residents and improve living conditions across the state’s 20 local government areas.

He stated, “Our vision is anchored in a practical Ten-Point Agenda focused on the real needs of the people. Roads and Transport—We want to ensure efficient, well-articulated road networks and dedicated infrastructure that finally reduce the crippling traffic that has persisted for years.

“Education — We are also ensuring a renewed investment in schools, skills, and human capital so that no generation is left behind. Health — We will ensure expanded and accessible healthcare, including the long-overdue strengthening of general hospital capacity.

“Housing — Realistic, affordable housing solutions, particularly high-rise, low-cost options linked to employment centres will be guaranteed. Security—We are promising Lagos residents if elected technology-driven protection (including drones and surveillance) and regional collaboration to keep Lagos and the wider South-West safe.”

Mr Doherty said, if elected, his  administration would also prioritise vulnerable groups, reliable water supply, affordable electricity and policies to support businesses and industrial development.

Mr Doherty pledged deliberate programmes that put the next generation at the centre of policy and reliable access to clean water as a basic right.

On power, Mr Doherty assured affordable, reliable electricity through state investment and support for distribution so that artisans, small businesses, and households can thrive.

“On economic enablement, we are cutting wasteful levies, supporting industrialisation and small enterprises, and putting money back into the pockets of ordinary Lagos residents.

“We promise inclusive governance and transparent, people-first leadership that serves every local government area will be at the centre of our administration,” he said.

The PDP candidate said his experience in business and continued membership of the party informed his commitment to providing an alternative to the current administration.

“This is not rhetoric. It is a commitment built on forty years of building businesses, creating jobs in Lagos, and serving the PDP without any sort of defection from our Dear party since 1999.

“Lagos deserves leadership that plans ahead before it promises, builds in the open, and serves every ward,” he stated.

Mr Doherty also urged young people to draw lessons from the October 20, 2020 #EndSARS protests, which demanded an end to police brutality and greater accountability.

He described peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic right, saying citizens must be free to demand better governance, accountability and dignity.

The candidate said the anniversary should encourage greater youth participation in governance, particularly as young voters would play a significant role in determining the state’s political future.

He urged them to translate their demand for accountability into electoral participation, stressing the importance of voting and participating in the electoral process.

Mr Doherty said electoral participation offered young people an opportunity to influence leadership and demand better governance.

The candidate said he and his running mate, Khadijat Bello, alongside the Lagos PDP leadership, would work towards reducing the cost of living, improving public services and expanding economic opportunities.

“I stand as a catalyst for that change. Together with my deputy, Mrs Khadijat Bello, the executives of the Lagos PDP, and every committed member of our great party, we offer Lagosians a clear alternative.

“We stand for a government that will reduce the crushing cost of living, restore dignity to our daily life, and make Lagos once again a place of opportunity rather than hardship.

“We reject the feudalistic democratic elements who have long posed as progressives while ordinary Lagosians struggle,” he said.

Mr Doherty urged Lagos residents, particularly young voters, to support his proposed agenda in the 2027 governorship election.

“The time for change is now. Let the youths of Lagos rise, organise, and vote for a new dawn,” he said. 

(NAN)