Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant Adedeji Doherty has declared his readiness to take on the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 Lagos governorship race, unveiling a development plan centered on security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Doherty, who is the party’s South West National Vice Chairman, said the PDP was entering a new phase in Lagos and was determined to offer voters a credible alternative. He stressed his long record of loyalty to the party across state, zonal and national roles.

Describing Lagos as Nigeria’s economic nerve Centre, he argued that federal economic reforms could only succeed fully if matched by effective governance and strategic investment in the state, and expressed concern about gaps in education, healthcare, transport and urban development despite Lagos’s large revenue base.

He said his administration would pursue a 10-point agenda spanning roads, housing, health, education, security, water, power, youth empowerment, women’s development and social welfare, identifying affordable electricity as a key driver of growth and pledging to lower power costs for small businesses and artisans. On education, he said he was considering an education professional as running mate.

On security, Doherty advocated stronger collaboration among South West states and the use of surveillance technology and intelligence to fight banditry and kidnapping, arguing that insecurity anywhere ultimately disrupts Lagos through its effect on trade and the economy.