2027: Funso Doherty Throws Hat into Ring for Lagos Governorship Election on ADC Ticket

Former Lagos governorship aspirant Funso Doherty has announced his intention to contest the Lagos State governorship seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2027 general elections, following his declaration on Friday at the Freedom Park Old Prison Ground.

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Doherty's decision to run for the governorship is driven by his observation that the state's system, which nurtured him, is deteriorating and requires urgent attention, prompting him to seek leadership with integrity, capacity, vision, and people-centeredness.

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According to Doherty, Lagos State is home to energetic and diligent residents who are denied the right to a modest living, despite the state's vast resources, and he is determined to bring about change, stating that "Lagos, blessed as we are by the Almighty God, can have enough for all, today, it is being governed to offer a great deal for a very few and very little for most."

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Doherty criticized the current administration, stating that its achievements pale in comparison to what is possible with the state's vast resources, and highlighted the harsh reality of deprivation and lack in education, health, jobs, housing, water, and power, despite a budget of over N4 trillion for 2026.

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He noted that for the past 26 years, the state has been plagued by issues such as a mounting housing deficit, failing schools, and political violence, with young people being sold a false dream of rising to power through loyalty, rather than being given real opportunities.

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Doherty urged party members, supporters, and stakeholders to unite and address the inconsistencies in the education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors to ensure convenient living for all residents, emphasizing the need to set high standards for schools and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed.

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He called for investments in strong, free, and quality early and basic education, as well as technical and vocational education, to provide young people with meaningful employment and dignified livelihoods, and also advocated for free healthcare for children, including drugs, and properly funded healthcare as a governing priority.

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Doherty also proposed delivering convenient and affordable mass transit that connects urban centers by road, rail, and water, and emphasized the need for an honest government that demands accountability and combats corruption, stating that every naira stolen from the state is a naira stolen from a child's classroom, a patient's hospital bed, or a family's future.

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He concluded that his campaign is not about personal interests, but about representing the hopes and dreams of Lagos residents, and that his candidacy is a call to action for the people to demand accountability and transparency in governance.