The four candidates contesting the 2027 Lagos State governorship election have outlined competing plans to address the state’s persistent challenges of flooding, traffic congestion, housing affordability, and access to education, with proposals ranging from technology-driven environmental management and expanded public transportation to the construction of 100,000 housing units and completely free education.

The candidates, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presented their positions on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos.

During the debate, the candidates explained how they intend to address the challenges confronting residents and gave their assessment of the current administration.

Their competing promises are expected to shape the broader political debate as voters assess the candidates’ plans and decide who is best positioned to lead Africa’s most populous city-state.

While opposition candidates criticised aspects of the APC-led government’s record, Mr Hamzat defended its achievements and highlighted plans to expand infrastructure, transportation and social services.

Flooding: candidates differ on environmental management

Flooding and environmental management featured prominently during the debate, with candidates offering different approaches to addressing the problem.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour attributed some of Lagos’ environmental challenges to what he described as decades of poor governance, promising a technology-driven approach to environmental management if elected.

“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 argued that Lagos needed a government that would make the state safer, cleaner and more affordable for residents across different social classes.

The ADC candidate said his administration would prioritise residents’ safety, environmental cleanliness and improved living conditions.

However, Mr Hamzat defended the state’s existing drainage infrastructure, describing its network as “fantastic”.

The APC candidate maintained that effective drainage management remained essential to reducing flooding.

Traffic: Hamzat pitches 4,000 CNG buses, 77 electric ferries

Transportation was another major issue, with Hamzat outlining the APC government’s multi-modal transportation strategy to improve mobility and reduce pressure on Lagos roads.

The deputy governor said the state was targeting the movement of one million passengers daily through a fleet of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

He also disclosed plans to expand water transportation by introducing 77 electric ferries to help move more commuters and ease congestion on major roads.

Defending the government’s investment in rail transportation, Mr Hamzat argued that the private sector had not funded any rail system elsewhere in Africa.

He maintained that the state’s investments in different transportation systems were part of efforts to develop an integrated network capable of serving Lagos’ growing population.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour, however, argued that traffic congestion should not become a normal part of life for Lagos residents.

The ADC candidate called for improved water transportation and additional infrastructure, stressing the need to make efficient mobility a regular feature of the state’s transport system.

Housing: Rhodes-Vivour promises 100,000 units

Housing affordability also generated competing proposals, with Mr Rhodes-Vivour promising to deliver more than 100,000 housing units if elected governor.

The ADC candidate said the proposed homes would be made accessible to residents, particularly those struggling to afford decent accommodation.

He criticised successive APC administrations for allegedly prioritising wealthy residents’ interests over the housing needs of ordinary people, especially those in rural communities.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour also questioned the benefits of Lagos’ high internally generated revenue (IGR), saying, “Lagos celebrates high IGR, yet people are not experiencing it,” he said.

He added that his administration would focus on policies that address the economic difficulties confronting residents and improve access to essential services.

Responding, the APC candidate said the state had established 24 housing estates in the last eight years but acknowledged the need to increase access to quality, affordable accommodation.

He promised to expand mortgage facilities for residents and ensure the completion of ongoing housing projects across the state.

The APC candidate also pledged to enforce the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) law, which regulates real estate transactions and tenancy practices in the state.

He specifically highlighted the provision requiring landlords to collect no more than one year’s rent in advance, promising stricter enforcement to address arbitrary rent demands and make accommodation more accessible.

Education: Doherty promises completely free education

Mr Doherty, the NDC candidate, vowed to prioritise free education and skills development in Lagos if elected in 2027.

According to him, free education should go beyond removing tuition fees to cover other financial obligations that often prevent children from completing their education.

“So, our policies are aimed at capacitating the people, giving them skills, ensuring that there is no child born in Lagos who does not get an education because their parents cannot afford it.

“We have said we will make education truly free, not nominally free. Truly free, so people will not pay exam fees; they will not be asked to come and pay taxes at a point when they have to write their exams,” Mr Doherty said.