2027: Doherty Insists PDP is Ideal Vehicle to Implement Tinubu's Vision for Lagos

Adedeji Doherty, the Peoples Democratic Party's 2027 Lagos State governorship candidate, believes the success of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda hinges significantly on Lagos State, and that the PDP is best equipped to turn federal policies into tangible benefits for residents.

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Doherty made this assertion during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he argued that despite being Nigeria's economic and financial hub, Lagos has failed to adequately support federal initiatives in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, power, transportation, and security.

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Doherty stated that he intends to challenge the sitting government in Lagos, and as someone who has been involved in Lagos politics for over a decade, he is well-known to leaders in all substantive parties in the state.

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He emphasized that his team will work together, play fairly, and focus on the needs of Lagos residents, particularly the youth and the environment, adding that his experience as a businessman, entrepreneur, and industrialist has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead the state.

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Doherty noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, including the removal of fuel subsidy and empowerment programs for youths, will not be effective without the support of Lagos State, which has about 20 to 25 million residents and close to 13 million registered voters.

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As the economic hub and financial center of Nigeria, Lagos should provide leadership in the South-West's security and educational development, according to the PDP South-West National Vice Chairman, who also pointed out that the state's annual revenue of about N3.3 trillion has not been matched with commensurate investments in critical sectors.

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Doherty cited the lack of a new general hospital in the past 25 years, inadequate road networks, and persistent traffic jams as examples of the state's unmet needs, which must be addressed to complement federal initiatives and provide palliatives to residents.

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He stressed that without reciprocal support from Lagos in areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and taxation, the federal government's efforts will not trickle down to the grassroots level.

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Doherty unveiled plans for a 10-point agenda focused on roads, education, healthcare, housing, security, power, water supply, and youth empowerment, among others, which aims to reduce the cost of electricity and invest in power distribution companies to boost small businesses and create jobs.

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He explained that the 10-point agenda will cover key areas such as education, health, housing, security, and empowerment of youths, women, children, and infants, and that reducing the price of power in Lagos State will have a significant impact on the state's economy.

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Doherty proposed that Lagos State should subsidize power and invest in power distribution companies to provide reliable and affordable power to residents, including small business owners such as hairdressers, barbers, tailors, welders, and vulcanisers.

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To tackle insecurity, Doherty said he would deploy drones and other security resources to neighboring states, emphasizing that protecting Lagos requires ensuring the safety and stability of surrounding areas, including Oyo, Ondo, and the Niger Delta.

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He stated that as Governor of Lagos State, he would take responsibility for keeping the state safe by also keeping neighboring states safe, and that he would not hesitate to override other state governments if necessary to prevent crime and insecurity.