Four candidates contesting the upcoming Lagos State governorship election engaged in a debate focused on the pressing issues of flooding, traffic congestion, housing, and education. The event was organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos, providing a platform for candidates to articulate their positions on state governance.
The candidates included Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Funso Doherty representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Deji Doherty from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On the topic of flooding, Rhodes-Vivour criticized what he sees as decades of poor governance and proposed a technology-driven strategy for environmental management. He emphasized the need for policies that improve living conditions and stated his commitment to creating a cleaner and safer Lagos.
Conversely, Hamzat defended the existing drainage infrastructure in Lagos, describing it as “fantastic,” and argued for maintaining blockage-free drainage channels to ensure effective water flow.
In regards to traffic management, Hamzat discussed the APC government’s plans for a multi-modal transportation system aimed at significantly improving mobility through enhanced rail, road, and water transport. He mentioned initiatives involving 4,000 natural gas buses and 77 electric ferries.
Rhodes-Vivour countered that the current traffic challenges are untenable and stressed the importance of improving water transportation and overall infrastructure.
The candidates also diverged on housing solutions. Rhodes-Vivour promised the construction of over 100,000 housing units, targeting accessibility for rural communities and emphasizing that the current administration has favored the elite. In response, Hamzat noted that the APC had established 24 housing estates but acknowledged the need for more mortgage facilities to assist residents.
On education, Funso Doherty proposed free education for all children in Lagos, asserting that no child should be deprived of education due to financial constraints. His vision involves removing all costs related to schooling, including exam fees.
Deji Doherty raised concerns regarding Lagos State’s debt, stating that the financial burden of servicing domestic and external debts is detrimental to the economy. He criticized the lack of autonomy for local governments, claiming that local areas should have the necessary resources to meet the needs of their communities.
This debate marked the beginning of a series organized by the consortium to provide candidates with a platform to present their agendas and address the issues crucial to residents ahead of the elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
