Public policy advocate Funso Doherty has declared his intention to run for governor of Lagos State, delivering a strong critique of inequality, governance failures, and what he described as decades of entrenched political dominance.
Speaking at Freedom Park in Lagos Island on Friday, Doherty said his decision to enter the race was driven by a growing disconnect between government and the people, arguing that Lagos is being governed “to offer a great deal for a very few and very little for most.”
“For almost 30 years, one generation, one party, one man’s dominance has ruled this state,” he said, adding that while some progress has been made, it falls far short of the city’s potential given its vast resources.
Doherty painted a stark picture of inequality in Lagos, contrasting luxury developments with widespread hardship in education, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Despite a 2026 budget exceeding ₦4 trillion, he said basic services remain out of reach for many residents.
“A government rich in revenue, and a people poor in services,” he said.
Highlighting the education sector, Doherty cited figures showing that more than half of students in public schools failed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing it as a sign of systemic decline.
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On housing, he noted that many Lagosians spend up to 60 per cent of their income on rent, calling the situation “a dignity problem” and warning of long-term social consequences.
He also criticised the state’s transport system, pointing to long commute times and inadequate public transit options, particularly for workers travelling from suburbs to commercial centres.
Doherty further accused successive administrations of failing to uphold the social contract, arguing that citizens are left to provide their own electricity, water, and security despite paying taxes.
“They fund the government and fund themselves,” he stressed.
Outlining his vision, the governorship hopeful promised investments in education, healthcare, housing, and mass transit.
He pledged to prioritise free and quality basic education, expand vocational training, improve access to healthcare, and develop integrated transport systems across road, rail, and waterways.
He also called for accountable governance, stressing that public resources must be transparently managed to benefit all residents.
Doherty acknowledged the difficulty of challenging established political structures but urged Lagosians to take collective action.
“The forces that benefit from the status quo are well-funded and deeply entrenched,” he said. “This campaign must be about us.”
Framing the election as a turning point, he said Lagos must move away from a system that concentrates opportunity among a few and instead build a city that works for everyone.
“The people of this city are not the problem,” he said. “The problem is a government that has not kept faith with its people.”
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