Lagos Candidates Clash Over Housing and Education at Debate
Funso Doherty and Adedeji Doherty presented opposing strategies for housing and public services during a Lagos governorship debate ahead of the February 2027 election.
During a governorship debate in Lekki, Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Adedeji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed over how to resolve the Lagos housing crisis. Funso Doherty pledged to build 150,000 affordable housing units within four years, arguing that the government must be the primary driver of social housing because the private sector cannot solve the crisis alone. He also proposed an ombudsman office to combat rent racketeering.
Adedeji Doherty dismissed the 150,000-unit target as unfeasible due to high construction costs and volatile material prices. He argued that no government can control private landlords and instead proposed a model where the state rents properties from owners to sublet them to residents.
Beyond housing, Funso Doherty detailed his Ọ̀nà Tuntun (The New Way) manifesto, which includes 34 commitments across health, education, and government accountability. He pledged to make public education truly free by eliminating exam fees and providing daily meals for pupils. He criticized current leadership for failing to improve services despite high tax revenues. Funso Doherty, who previously contested the 2023 election, is running with Tolani Animashaun as his running mate. The candidates are competing in the February 6, 2027, election against other contenders, including incumbent Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
