The Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship aspirant for the 2027 Lagos State election, Adedeji Doherty, has stated that the effective implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda largely depends on Lagos State, arguing that the PDP is better positioned to transform federal policies into meaningful benefits for residents.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Doherty maintained that although Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial and financial centre, the state has not done enough to support federal initiatives in key sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, power and security.
He expressed confidence in his chances of challenging the current administration in Lagos, citing his long-standing political involvement and experience within the state.
“I do not want to say too much today, but I can assure you that we will challenge the current government in Lagos. Throughout my political journey in Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, there is hardly any leader in any major political party who does not know Engineer Adedeji Doherty. For more than a decade, we have consistently contested as aspirants and demonstrated both strength and capacity,” he said.
Doherty noted that his campaign would prioritise teamwork, fairness, youth development and environmental sustainability.
Describing himself as a businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist, he highlighted his experience in building and managing businesses, saying it has equipped him with the skills needed to govern Lagos effectively.
He stressed that Lagos occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economy and that the success of President Tinubu’s economic and social reforms would be difficult to achieve without the active participation of the state.
According to him, policies such as fuel subsidy removal, power sector reforms, youth empowerment initiatives and other programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda require strong support from Lagos to produce visible results nationwide.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may implement all the reforms he desires, but if Lagos is not actively involved in supporting and executing these programmes, their impact may not be fully felt by Nigerians. Lagos has between 20 and 25 million residents, about 13 million registered voters, and remains the nation’s economic and financial hub. It is where the unity of Nigeria is most evident,” he stated.
The PDP chieftain further argued that Lagos should be leading efforts in educational development and security within the South-West region.
He noted that despite generating an estimated ₦3.3 trillion annually, an amount he said rivals the economies of several West African nations combined, the state has not invested sufficiently in critical infrastructure and social services.
Doherty criticised the state’s development record, claiming that Lagos has not built a new general hospital in the last 25 years and still struggles with traffic congestion despite investments in rail transportation projects.
“We have not seen a new general hospital in 25 years. Our road network remains inadequate, and traffic congestion is still as severe as it was many years ago despite the Blue Rail, Red Rail and other projects. There are still significant gaps in the overall development architecture of Lagos that should complement federal efforts and cushion the impact of economic reforms,” he said.
He added that unless Lagos improves support for agriculture, local businesses and entrepreneurs, federal government policies may not effectively reach grassroots communities.
Doherty also unveiled a proposed 10-point development agenda focused on roads, education, healthcare, housing, security, power supply, water resources and youth empowerment.
According to him, reducing electricity costs and investing in power distribution companies would stimulate business growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.
“Our agenda will focus on roads, education, health, housing, security, youth empowerment, women, children, water and power. Once electricity becomes more affordable in Lagos, the economy will flourish. The resources generated from fuel subsidy removal should be invested wisely.
“Lagos should consider subsidising power, investing directly in distribution companies and participating in their management. This would ensure that small business owners such as hairdressers, tailors, welders, vulcanisers and barbers have access to reliable and affordable electricity around the clock,” he explained.
On security, Doherty said his administration would deploy drones and advanced security resources to combat crime and insecurity.
He argued that safeguarding Lagos requires ensuring stability in neighbouring states, noting that criminal activities in surrounding regions could easily spill into the state.
“The activities of bandits in places like Oyo State have become both a state and national security concern. As governor of Lagos, I would deploy drones and every available security resource to assist in addressing such threats. To secure Lagos effectively, we must also support security efforts in neighbouring states such as Oyo, Ondo and even parts of the Niger Delta.
“Criminals can easily move into Lagos from neighbouring areas, commit crimes and escape. Under my administration, such security gaps will not be tolerated,” he said.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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