The Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 governorship hopeful in Lagos State, Adedeji Doherty, has said the party is better equipped to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Lagos and ensure that its benefits reach residents.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Doherty argued that Lagos, despite being Nigeria’s commercial hub, has not sufficiently aligned with federal initiatives in key sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, power and security.
The PDP chieftain expressed confidence in his chances of challenging the ruling party in the state, citing his long-standing involvement in Lagos politics and experience in both the public and private sectors.
According to him, Lagos plays a crucial role in determining the success of federal policies due to its population size, economic significance and influence on national development.
Doherty maintained that many of President Tinubu’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, power sector reforms and youth empowerment programmes, would have a greater impact if effectively supported and implemented in Lagos.
“Lagos is the economic and financial centre of Nigeria. If Lagos is not fully integrated into the execution of federal policies, the impact may not be felt across the country,” he said.
He criticised the state government for what he described as inadequate investment in critical infrastructure despite generating substantial annual revenue.
According to him, Lagos has not recorded significant improvements in healthcare facilities, road networks and traffic management over the years, stressing that more must be done to complement federal interventions.
Doherty also called for stronger support for agriculture, indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, warning that excessive taxation could undermine economic growth and limit the effectiveness of federal programmes at the grassroots level.
The PDP leader unveiled a proposed 10-point agenda that would focus on roads, education, healthcare, housing, security, power supply, water resources and youth empowerment.
He said reducing electricity costs and improving power distribution would stimulate economic activities, support small businesses and create employment opportunities across the state.
Doherty advocated increased state investment in electricity distribution companies, arguing that affordable and reliable power would significantly boost productivity among artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.
On security, he proposed the deployment of drones and advanced surveillance resources to tackle criminal activities, insisting that Lagos’ security is closely linked to the stability of neighbouring states.
He noted that insecurity in surrounding states could pose direct threats to Lagos and pledged to collaborate across state boundaries to strengthen regional security and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the state.
Doherty said his administration, if elected, would prioritise proactive security measures to safeguard lives, property and economic activities in Lagos.
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