SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Deji Doherty, has promised to introduce electricity rebates for residents and businesses while pursuing policies aimed at reducing the cost of housing if elected governor in 2027.
Doherty made the commitments on Sunday while presenting his 10-point manifesto at the Lagos Governorship Debate, where he outlined his plans to ease the financial pressure on households, support businesses, and improve access to essential services across the state.
The PDP candidate said his administration would prioritize putting more money back into residents’ pockets from the beginning of his tenure, identifying electricity costs as one of the major challenges affecting both households and industrial development.
He argued that the prevailing electricity tariff was placing an enormous burden on businesses, making it difficult for industries to operate profitably and remain competitive.
“On my first day, I’m going to make sure that you get some money put back into your pockets. I’m going to make sure that I give you rebates on power, especially power,” he said.
Doherty further questioned how local industries could remain sustainable with electricity tariffs reportedly reaching N220 per kilowatt, insisting that reducing energy costs would be essential to improving the state’s business environment.
On housing, the PDP candidate expressed reservations about ambitious promises to construct 150,000 housing units within four years, arguing that the high cost of building materials and land acquisition could make such targets difficult to achieve.
Rather than make commitments he might struggle to fulfill, he proposed setting up a research team to identify practical ways of reducing construction expenses and making different categories of housing more affordable.
He explained that although the government might not have direct control over the market prices of land and building materials, it could explore innovative construction methods and cost-saving strategies.
Doherty also drew attention to the infrastructure challenges facing Lagos’ riverine communities, particularly the shortage of primary healthcare facilities and other essential social amenities.
He disclosed that Lagos has between 26 and 28 islands, many of which, according to him, lack adequate access to basic healthcare and public services.
Recalling his previous visits to several of these communities, he stressed that residents outside the state’s major urban centers should not be neglected in government development plans.
Introducing himself during the debate, Doherty described himself as a technocrat, businessman, entrepreneur, and industrialist whose political involvement was driven by his interactions with ordinary Nigerians.
He also disclosed that he joined the PDP in 1998 and had remained a member of the party since then.
His 10-point agenda covers key sectors, including electricity, housing, education, transportation, and healthcare.
Doherty’s proposals place particular emphasis on reducing the cost of living, supporting economic activities, and addressing the development gap between central Lagos and underserved communities. However, the feasibility and funding of the proposed interventions will be important considerations for voters.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
