Lagos governorship candidates preparing for the 2027 elections will have an opportunity to defend their proposed policies before voters when a major political debate takes place in the state on November 8, 2026.

The debate, scheduled for 7pm at The Hub by IALA, House of His Glory, in Lekki, is expected to bring together contenders from different political parties to discuss their plans for governing Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The event will be organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a partnership involving Channels Television, TVC News, PUNCH, TheCable and Vanguard Newspaper.

Rather than focusing on campaign promises alone, the discussion is expected to examine how candidates intend to address some of Lagos’ longstanding challenges, including traffic congestion, poor infrastructure, insecurity, housing shortages, unemployment and access to quality healthcare and education.

Other issues expected to come under scrutiny include transportation, economic growth, waste management and the state’s overall development. Candidates will be expected to explain their priorities and demonstrate how their proposed policies would translate into practical solutions for residents.

The organisers said all participating candidates would be given equal opportunities to speak, with the same time allocations and moderation rules. Experienced journalists will oversee the proceedings, while the debate will be transmitted through the participating media organisations’ television and digital platforms.

The November event will be the first in a series of political debates planned by the Consortium ahead of the 2027 elections, with the programme expected to conclude with a presidential debate and town hall.

Some of the leading contenders have already begun outlining their plans for Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, who is the state’s current deputy governor, has highlighted infrastructure development, improved security, flood control, housing and waste management as major areas of focus.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has promised to deliver 100,000 affordable housing units during his first term if elected.

Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Funso Doherty, has pledged to make education and healthcare accessible free of charge within his first 100 days in office.

The debate is expected to give voters an opportunity to compare the candidates’ proposals and assess their preparedness to lead Lagos State.

SOURCE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER