By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Engineer Adedeji Doherty, has vowed to mount a strong challenge against the ruling administration in the 2027 governorship election, promising to focus on education, security, healthcare, power supply and youth empowerment.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja after receiving his Certificate of Return from the party headquarters, Doherty, who also serves as the PDP South-West National Vice Chairman, said his emergence as the party’s candidate marked the beginning of a new chapter for the opposition party in the state.
The veteran politician highlighted his long-standing commitment to the PDP, noting that he had remained loyal to the party for more than two decades despite contesting for the governorship position several times.
“I first contested as a governorship aspirant at the age of 38. Today, by the grace of God, I am 64. I have remained consistent with the PDP and have never moved to another political party,” he said.
Doherty said his experience in both politics and business had equipped him with the capacity to lead Lagos State, describing himself as an entrepreneur and industrialist who understands the challenges facing businesses and residents.
He argued that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, must play a more strategic role in complementing the Federal Government’s economic policies and ensuring that their benefits reach ordinary citizens.
According to him, despite its huge revenue profile, Lagos still faces significant challenges in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure.
Providing insight on how he will change the scenario, he continued,
“Our agenda is going to be based on reaping from the largesse and transferring that largesse from where the Federal Government, led by the President, releases it. And we should make sure that it gets to our people in Lagos State. And that is what our agenda is going to be.
“It’s going to be a 10-point agenda. An agenda that’s going to cover roads, education, health, housing, security, empowerment of youths, women, children and infants. It is going to cover water. It’s going to cover power.
“Let us make sure that the hairdressers, the barbing salons, the tailors, the welders and the vulcanisers are able to get real power, 24-hour power, and, most importantly, at an affordable and profitable price”.
He also proposed state intervention in the power sector, including investments in electricity distribution companies, to guarantee affordable and reliable electricity for small businesses and households.
Doherty identified insecurity as one of the greatest threats to Lagos and pledged to work closely with neighbouring states to combat criminal activities across the South-West region.
Responding to concerns over rising insecurity and the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, he said Lagos could not isolate itself from security challenges in other states.
“Insecurity anywhere in Nigeria affects Lagos. If bandits operate freely in neighbouring states, Lagos will eventually feel the impact economically and socially,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate pledged to deploy modern technology, including drones and surveillance equipment, to support security operations and prevent criminal groups from infiltrating Lagos.
He further promised to collaborate with governors across the South-West and the Niger Delta region to strengthen regional security architecture and protect economic assets.
Doherty expressed confidence that the PDP would offer Lagosians a credible alternative in 2027, urging residents to support the party’s vision for a more secure, prosperous and inclusive state.
“There are a lot of things that are still missing in the whole architecture of Lagos State that should complement and act as palliatives to whatever Mr President is doing.
“If there is no reciprocal support from Lagos in terms of agriculture, in terms of making sure that indigenous companies in Lagos State rise again, in terms of making sure that entrepreneurs and businessmen make money so that they can expand their businesses rather than overtax them, if all these areas are not attacked conclusively, then whatever Mr President is trying to do at the federal level will not reach the grassroots.
“We are going to play fair and square, and we are going to bring out the things that Lagosians need. Our focus will be on the future of our youths and building a Lagos that works for everyone,” he said.
