Funso Doherty, the Lagos State governorship candidate from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has promised to make education truly free in public schools. He also plans to deliver 150,000 affordable housing units if he is elected governor in 2027.
Doherty made these promises on Sunday during the 2026 governorship debate organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos. He shared his plans to tackle the state's development issues.
He believes that a society can only grow when its people have the chance and tools to better their lives. His proposed policies focus on putting people first by giving them the skills they need and improving access to vital services.
"We have said we will make education truly free, not nominally free, truly free. So people will not pay for exam fees, they will not be asked to come and pay taxes at the point where they have to write their exams," he stated.
Doherty also promised that children in public schools would get at least one affordable meal daily. He sees education as a key issue, especially with Nigeria's young population.
He plans to pay attention to healthcare, job creation, support for small businesses, and better public transportation.
For housing, Doherty's plan includes building 150,000 affordable units. This will be backed by funding arrangements, government guarantees, and partnerships to ensure the project can happen.
He said these proposals are part of his broader goal to create chances for residents to earn a living, start businesses, and raise their standard of living.
Earlier, Doherty pointed out that Lagos is not reaching its full potential despite its large revenue and economic resources. He said residents are paying a lot in taxes but are not seeing enough improvements in public services.
"About 90%, or close to 90%, of that internally generated revenue is taxes. Taxes taken from people like you and me. So the people are definitely playing their own part. It is the government that is failing," he remarked.
He also criticized the state's political leadership, saying Lagos has been run by the same political group for 27 years without properly addressing issues in education, healthcare, housing, water supply, and electricity.
Doherty said that his administration would focus on six major policy areas: health; education and opportunity; affordable housing; jobs and small businesses; the environment; and honest and accountable government.
He explained that these six themes are backed by 34 commitments in his manifesto. He urged residents to check these commitments and use them to hold him accountable.
Doherty, who has spent 30 years in the private sector, believes his experience in leadership and financial management will guide his approach to governing the state.
He ran in the 2023 Lagos governorship election and is now seeking the state's top political office again in 2027, this time under the NDC. His running mate, Tolani Animashaun, was introduced in October 2026 along with their manifesto, titled Ọ̀nà Tuntun (The New Way).
The manifesto outlines 34 commitments in six areas, which include healthcare and education, affordable housing, public transportation, jobs and small businesses, environmental services, and accountability in government.
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