Former Lagos governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, Funso Doherty, has officially announced his intention to contest for the Lagos State governorship in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He made the declaration on Friday at Freedom Park Old Prison Ground in Lagos, in the presence of party members and supporters.
Doherty explained that his decision to run was driven by concerns over what he described as a deteriorating system in Lagos, a state he said played a significant role in shaping his life.
The governorship hopeful emphasised the urgent need for leadership defined by integrity, competence, vision, and a strong focus on the welfare of the people.
According to him, despite the energy and resilience of Lagos residents, many are unable to enjoy a decent standard of living.
He said, “Even though 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. This is what I have determined must change.”
Speaking on the current administration, Doherty argued that its achievements fall short of what could be achieved given the state’s vast resources.
He stated, “The gleaming towers of banana island draw attention away from a harsh and depressing reality of deprivation and lack in education, health, jobs, housing, water, power and so on for most citizens. This is despite trillions spent every year. Lagos State’s budget for 2026 is more than N4 trillion.
“For the past 26 years, we have been told that our mounting housing deficit doesn’t matter. We’ve been told that the anxiety parents feel about failing schools is an illusion.
“We have watched as our young men, instead of being given real opportunities, are systematically turned into tools for political violence. They are sold a false dream—that if they serve loyally, they too can one day rise to become powerful, but corrupt bosses.
“And when all else fails—when the schools crumble, when the floods wash away our life’s work, when our young people spend half their lives in gruelling traffic, even worse off when they’re robbed as the traffic grinds to a halt—we’ve been told that our problems are somebody else’s fault.”
Doherty called on party members, supporters, and stakeholders to unite in addressing critical issues affecting education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the state, with the aim of improving living conditions for residents.
He said, “So let us come together to set high standards for our schools and give them the resources they need to succeed. Because we understand that real opportunities begin with investment in education.
“Real opportunity means investing in strong, free, and quality early and basic education. Real opportunity means investing in technical and vocational education so that young people who choose not to go to university can gain meaningful employment and build dignified livelihoods.
“Let us finally, after all these years, tackle our healthcare crisis. Let us provide free healthcare for our children including drugs and ensure it is compassionate and properly funded – not as a campaign talking point, but as a governing priority. We can do that.
“Let us deliver convenient and affordable mass transit that connects our urban centres by road, rail and water. Because we know white elephant roads can never replace the solutions of mass transit.
“And above all else, let us be the ones that finally demand an honest government. Because every naira stolen from this state is a naira stolen from a child’s classroom, from a patient’s hospital bed, from a family’s future. Let us take the work we started, demanding accountability by combing through the budget, exposing wasteful spending and corruption.”
He further stated that his ambition is not driven by personal interest but by a desire to represent the collective hopes and aspirations of Lagos residents.
What you should know
Funso Doherty has declared his intention to run for Lagos State governor in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress after previously contesting under the PDP.
He cited concerns about inequality, poor infrastructure, and declining public services as reasons for his decision. Doherty criticised the current administration, arguing that Lagos’ vast resources are not benefiting most residents. He outlined plans focused on education, healthcare, mass transit, and accountability in governance.
He also emphasised that his candidacy represents the interests of the people rather than personal ambition, calling for unity among stakeholders to address systemic challenges in the state.
