From worsening traffic and recurring floods to rising rents and the cost of education, Lagos’ biggest urban challenges took centre stage as four governorship hopefuls went head-to-head, offering sharply different visions for the state’s future ahead of the 2027 election.
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 proposals on Sunday at a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos.
The discussions exposed contrasting positions on how to address the state’s development challenges, with opposition candidates questioning the performance of successive APC administrations, while Hamzat defended the government’s record and outlined plans for further infrastructure and social investment.
Flooding: Competing approaches to environmental management
On flooding, Rhodes-Vivour attributed the persistent environmental challenges to what he described as years of poor governance, promising a technology-driven approach to improve drainage and environmental management.
The ADC candidate said his priority would be to build a cleaner, safer and more affordable Lagos, with policies that benefit residents across income levels rather than a privileged few.
Hamzat, however, defended the state’s existing drainage network, describing the infrastructure as extensive and capable of handling water flow if properly maintained.
He argued that keeping drainage channels clear and ensuring the free movement of water into the creeks were essential to tackling flooding.
Traffic: APC pushes multi-modal transportation
Transportation also featured prominently, with Hamzat defending the administration’s investment in rail, road and water transport as part of efforts to ease congestion.
He said the state was targeting the movement of one million passengers daily through a fleet of 4,000 compressed natural gas buses.
The APC candidate also announced plans to expand water transportation with 77 electric ferries, describing waterways as an important alternative for moving commuters across Lagos.
Defending the government’s railway investments, Hamzat argued that private-sector financing alone had not delivered comparable rail infrastructure elsewhere in Africa.
Rhodes-Vivour, meanwhile, maintained that traffic congestion should not become an accepted part of everyday life, calling for improved transportation infrastructure and greater utilisation of waterways.
Housing: ADC promises 100,000 units as APC highlights mortgages
Housing brought another sharp difference in policy direction, with Rhodes-Vivour promising to deliver more than 100,000 housing units if elected.
He argued that government housing policies must prioritise ordinary residents, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, rather than concentrate opportunities among wealthier Lagosians.
The ADC candidate also questioned the impact of the state’s impressive internally generated revenue, arguing that increased government earnings had not translated into better living conditions for many residents.
Hamzat countered by highlighting the construction of 24 housing estates over the past eight years, while acknowledging that more needed to be done to bridge the housing deficit.
He promised expanded access to mortgage facilities and the completion of ongoing housing developments.
The APC candidate also pledged stricter enforcement of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, which restricts landlords to demanding no more than one year’s rent in advance for covered tenancies.
He said stronger compliance would help protect tenants against excessive rent demands and improve access to affordable accommodation.
Education: NDC promises truly free schooling
On education, Doherty outlined an ambitious social policy, promising to make schooling completely free across Lagos State.
The NDC candidate said his proposed education policy would remove financial barriers that prevent children from accessing quality education, while equipping young people with relevant skills for the future.
He stressed that free education must go beyond eliminating tuition fees to cover examination charges and other compulsory payments that often place additional pressure on families.
Doherty argued that no child should be denied an opportunity to learn simply because their parents cannot afford the associated costs.
As the 2027 governorship race gathers momentum, the debate has placed the burden of proof on the candidates: beyond promises and political arguments, Lagos residents will ultimately judge them by who can deliver practical solutions to the problems shaping their everyday lives.
