2027 ELECTIONS: IT IS TIME TO PUT LAGOSIANS FIRST The Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos State, HE Funso Doherty, declared, “My Dear Lagosians, For too long, we have endured a government that is disconnected from the aspirations, hopes, and pains of the people. Though the Almighty God has blessed us with abundant human and natural resources, our leaders in government, in whose hands those resources are entrusted, continue to prioritise narrow and self-serving interests over the welfare of the wider populace. As a result, most Lagosians cannot make ends meet, and more and more of us are daily sinking deeper and deeper into poverty. Many of our young people face near-insurmountable obstacles to get started in life, to earn a livelihood and to rent a home, let alone dream of one day owning one.” These words capture a fundamental question that every Lagosian must ask: **What is the true purpose of the government if the people continue to struggle despite living in a state with enormous economic potential? Lagos is Nigeria's commercial nerve centre, a state driven by enterprise, innovation, creativity, and the resilience of millions of hardworking residents. From our markets and small businesses to our industries, professional services, and technology sector, Lagosians contribute immensely to the economic life of our state and our nation. Yet, for too many residents, this economic activity has not translated into a better quality of life. The rising cost of living continues to place unbearable pressure on households. Food, transportation, accommodation, healthcare, and education consume an increasing share of family incomes. Workers struggle to meet their basic needs, small businesses battle mounting operating costs, and many parents find it increasingly difficult to provide their children with the opportunities they deserve. For millions, the daily struggle is no longer simply about getting ahead; it is about staying afloat. A government must not measure its success only by the wealth generated within its territory, but by how effectively that wealth and economic opportunity improve the lives of its people. Our young people deserve particular attention. They are talented, energetic, resourceful, and full of ideas, yet too many face serious barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, and financial independence. A young graduate should not have to abandon ambition because decent work is difficult to find. A young entrepreneur should not have to give up on a promising business because the environment makes survival almost impossible. And a hardworking young professional should have a realistic opportunity to rent a decent home and, eventually, aspire to homeownership. Our women, traders, artisans, transport workers, civil servants, teachers, healthcare professionals, and small business owners also deserve a government that recognises their daily struggles and creates an enabling environment for them to prosper. This is why leadership matters. The resources of Lagos belong to the people, and their management must reflect the interests and aspirations of the people. Public office is a responsibility to serve, not a privilege to be used for personal enrichment or political advantage. The Nigeria Democratic Congress believes Lagos can do better. We believe governance must be anchored on accountability, transparency, responsible management of public finances, inclusive economic growth, and policies that create opportunities for ordinary residents. Under the leadership vision of HE Funso Doherty, the NDC campaign is advancing the case for a Lagos where government works for the people. A New Lagos is Possible! A Lagos where government listens, engages, advocates, and delivers. Ọ̀NÀ TUNTUN; O Ti Ya! #FunsoDoherty #NDCLagos #ANewLagosIsPossible #ONATUNTUN #OTiYa #NDCTopToBottom