The candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Babatunde Gbadamosi, was the dark horse that wowed members of the audience in Saturday’s Lagos gubernatorial election debate, as he spoke confidently of his plans if elected governor of the country’s commercial capital.

Mr Gbadamosi, who was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the ADP, received rave reviews of his performance in the debate, which was organised by The Platform, a civic discussion initiative of the Covenant Christian Centre.

The interview which was moderated by British-Nigerian Christian broadcaster, Victor Oladokun, had in attendance alongside Mr Gbadamosi, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje, and the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Owolabi Salis.

Mr Gbadamosi started off on a somewhat shaky note when he was asked about what he would do in his first hundred days in office if elected. He explained that he would try increasing the salaries of civil servants in the state, but he did not explain how he would raise the additional fund needed to do this.

He, however, bounced back from the initial flutter, arguing that his priority will be to boost the infrastructural shortfall of the state by building rail lines to all the exit points of the state, opening up water transportation and the movement of container by barges instead of through the roads to cut the infamous Lagos traffic.

The ADP candidate, who berated the ruling party in the state for lack of prudence in running the state finances, said he would bring his experience from the private sector in handling the spending of state funds.

According to him, he would be able to do this because he “does not have a godfather”, which was a snide remark on the candidate of the ruling APC, Mr Sanwo-Olu, who enjoys the backing of a former governor of the state, Bola Tinubu, generally believed to be the de facto political leader of the state.

Mr Gbadamosi also correctly fact-checked the APC candidate after he falsely stated that the state government was transparent and publishes its budgets. Mr Gbadamosi pointed out that the state budget website no longer existed stating that the government is known for being opaque rather than open. He said if elected into office he would operate an open government.

Babatunde Gbadamosi (Photo Credit: Channels TV)
He berated the current government for being unable to complete its light rail project in 10 years and wondered why the state was paying for it from its purse when it could have welcomed the private sector to finance the project. He also said at a cost of almost $1 billion, the light rail project was too expensive.

He said he would open up the state waterways and improve tourism as a means of growing the state tax revenue if elected into office.

In all, he was the most eloquent of the candidate on display. The figures and data he quoted were mostly correct. He also cited examples of what was being done in other places with similar demographics like Lagos such as Singapore and Ethiopia.

Score 8/10

Sanwo-Olu
Mr Sanwo-Olu, as the candidate of the ruling party, which has been in power for 20 years in the state, unsurprisingly was put on the defensive throughout the debate. But he did a fairly good job of shaking off the attacks from other candidates and in fact, on a couple of occasions, was on the offensive.

He spoke about his experience as a banker and public officer. He said he would bring the experience garnered from being a three-time commissioner in the state in running the state effectively.

He promised to tackle the traffic gridlock in the city and especially promised to solve the perennial gridlock in the Apapa area of the state.

The APC candidate said he would be a listening governor and regularly hold town hall meetings across the state to discuss some of the pressing problems of the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Photo Credit: Twitter handle)
He said the problems with funds in the state would be solved if more people pay taxes. According to him, out of the possible 16 million taxable people in the state, only 800,000 actually pay taxes. He said he would work towards capturing more people into the tax bracket.

Mr Sanwo-Olu promised to double the state’s health budget from its present 9 per cent to 18-20 per cent. He said he would focus on health insurance for all inhabitants of the states and his priority will be improving primary healthcare.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, however, spent a lot of time talking about his educational qualifications and his experience as a commissioner. Though he put a spirited fight especially when other candidates suggested he was a stooge of Mr Tinubu; but like flies feeding off the wounded ears of a dog, hard as he tried, he was unable to shake off the attack.

He lied that Lagos was transparent and received several rebuttals from other debaters over the claim. Also, some of his responses sounded like he was berating the manner his party has run the state.

Score 6/10

Agbaje
Perhaps the most disappointing candidate of the night was the PDP candidate. His disappointment may not have come from the weakness of his responses as it did from the fact that they were usually below par from what was expected of him. He stammered several times and his responses cross the time given each candidate to respond.

Also, the unexpected brilliance of Mr Gbadamosi appeared to have stolen Mr Agbaje’s thunder. The candidate who was running for the third time may have been hurt by the familiarity of his responses.

On solving the traffic problems of the state, he said he would fix potholes, and innovate the traffic control by installing radar-controlled traffic lights in the state. He said he would strengthen the state traffic control agency, LASTMA, to be more efficient.

Mr Agbaje said he would provide leadership as he is not a stooge. He said rather than ask people to pay more taxes he would open up the state for more businesses in order to capture new taxpayers.

Jimi Agbaje (Centre) is a during the Lagos Governorship debate (Photo Credit: Twitter handle)
He promised to improve the school system with technology and more internet broadband in the state would encourage more students to learn to code and become tech savvy.

He said he would make local governments more efficient by making them independent of the state government. He also promised to expand the road and extend the railway system to other parts of the state to reduce vehicular traffic on the road.

Score 5/10

Salis
The AD candidate, who is no stranger to running for the position of governor, having run three previous times, promised to cut the state from the control of Mr Tinubu. He said he would work to eradicate violence by purging the pockets of gangs across the state.

He, no doubt, provided comic relief during the debate with his somewhat awkward mannerism. And he welcomed a lot of jeers from the audience and criticism from those commenting on social media when he said he was going to build a subway in the city. His said he would appoint 50 special assistants that will help him see to the development of local governments in the state. His response here left many people wondering what would happen to the appointed local government officials.

He promised to take back the wealth of the people of Lagos from those he said have hijacked it and use it to develop the state.

Score: 4/10
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/305594-adp-candidate-gbadamosi-steals-show-as-lagos-governorship-candidates-debate.html

Lagosians vote for Gbadamosi if you want Lagos to look like Dubai or Cape Town. Lagos is currently rated the 3rd worst megacity in the world after 20 years the drug baron and puppet master has called the shots.

I dope my cap for that Gbadamosi guy he has Lagos solution in his palms and once again I reiterate that Sanwolu will emerge as the worst Governor of Lagos if he emerge winner someone should write this down. The guy is going to do everything possible to please his masters and Agbero friends.

Propsvilla:
I dope my cap for that Gbaeamosi guy he has Lagos solution in his palms and once again I reiterate that Sanwolu will emerge as the worst Governor of Lagos if he emerge winner someone should write this down. The guy is going to do everything possible to please his master's and Agbero friends.

PDP and APC is not an option to bring development. I wish Gbadamosi got more exposure to the poor Lagos residents who make up most of the voting block. Only the middle class and upper class are aware of his existence.

litdutchboy:

PDP and APC is not an option to bring development. I wish Gbadamosi got more exposure to the poor Lagos residents who make up most of the voting block. Only the middle class and upper class are aware of his existence.

Do you know how politicians in UK win elections? They tie their background to the umbilical cord that keep the nation dominant economically. They tie their father and grandfather to the steel industry, the cotton mills, the coal industry, the shipping harbors. They turn their political ambition into a voice for mercantile UK.


Do you know how politicians in US win elections? They tie their background to the backbone of American economic dominance. They tie their father and grandfather to the farmlands of American South, the steelworkers of American North, the land prospectors of American West and the shipyards of American East. They salute the veterans and the service members and tell a good history of their mothers sacrifice while father was in Vietnam, in Germany, in Japan. They turn their political ambition into a voice through which the union, the labourers, the poor, the middlemen and the neglected can speak.


Do you know how politicians in Nigeria win elections?



Dont worry....ill be back after Feb16th to tell you.

ImperialYoruba:


Do you know how politicians in UK win elections? They tie their background to the umbilical cord that keep the nation dominant economically. They tie their father and grandfather to the steel industry, the cotton mills, the coal industry, the shipping harbors. They turn their political ambition into a voice for mercantile UK.


Do you know how politicians in US win elections? They tie their background to the backbone of American economic dominance. They tie their father and grandfather to the farmlands of American South, the steelworkers of American North, the land prospectors of American West and the shipyards of American East. They salute the veterans and the service members and tell a good history of their mothers sacrifice while father was in Vietnam, in Germany, in Japan. They turn their political ambition into a voice through which the union, the labourers, the poor, the middlemen and the neglected can speak.


Do you know how politicians in Nigeria win elections?



Dont worry....ill be back after Feb16th to tell you.

Not bad but na so so talk when they want to enter. When they enter finish. They forget their promises and turn tin god.

Check my signature for air shipping from Nigeria to UK and all European countries.

that guy killedit from the beginning... there was no shaky beginning!

That is very impressive, however, debate during election time has little or no influence on who will win an election in Nigeria, if not, Buhari that didn't attend previous debate would not have been president. even if the masses see you speak eloquently and you have what it takes to lead, they may not still vote for you because you can't share the money. This kingdom is just so backward that restructuring is the way out. It is easier to handle a class of 10 students than a class of 100 students....

Are you tired of your current status, you feel you need encouragement, success strategies, business and academic moves, or want to learn from the likes of Bill Gates, Ben Carson, Albert Einstein and so on, then visit www.motivate.com.ng

Change. No more Tinubu vote.

Vote for local government empowerment

Vote for good roads managed by local govt not some drunks just eating cos Tinubu put them there to eat and so won’t do crap.

Vote for primary health care

Vote for primary schools.

We need to take control of our democracy. We can’t keep expecting Tinubu whose interest is to be president to align with our interest. We are too lazy. And must control our destiny

Can someone help that ADP candidate intensify his campaign across Lagos state, he is the best man for the job.

Watch Lagos Gubernatorial Debate. Jide sanwoolu Speaking...................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COTWya7BBI4

wish him well

Of course the 2 main parties don't have the best candidates.

That's why Nigerians need more education to be able to discern and vote competence in the future

I support PDP now only cos they are the lesser of two evils with the ability to win elections

ADP in Lagos?

Ogbeni you dey waste time and money oo..
Tinubu and Son's Limited have anointed the next Governor already and he is waiting for swearing in..

Kuku go and invest in cocoyam or cucumber or wait till you become an azz licking member of APC then you can think towards a Councillor in your ward..

Eko ni baje oo

Wow
Afonjas are waking up oh
Normally they all bow to Tinubu but here they are slamming him and his stooge
Imperialyoruba is already wailing i see kikiki
Cc immhotep velocity25 yarimo

LZAA:
Wow
Afonjas are waking up oh
Normally they all bow to Tinubu but here they are slamming him and his stooge
Imperialyoruba is already wailing i see kikiki
Cc immhotep velocity25 yarimo

Gbadamosi outclassed the other contestants, even Jim Agbaje was in awe. Unfortunately in Nigeria we select the worst candidates to rule over us across the federation.

litdutchboy:
Lagosians vote for Gbadamosi if you want Lagos to look like Dubai or Cape Town. Lagos is currently rated the 3rd worst megacity in the world under 20 years the drug baron and puppet master has called the shots.

i agree with you. That guy has vision and is credible. He has consistently reiterated his passion for moving lagos on many platform and i hope he gets the opportunity. If only him and jimmy can work together. they dont need deputies but each other...

He might get my vote.

frankly speaking, hearing sanwo as a person, he aint bad but that tinubu and APC factor would be a make or marr situation. i am tired of APC, its more pain and less or no gain....

NL don get night shift

This should be one of the roles of the church in our political space. Providing a non bias platform for candidates to communicate their intentions so we can have a better clarity on who to elect. Imagine there was no platform like that, how would we have discovered Gbadamosi. This is the most unbiased debate I've seen in Nigeria with the choice of moderator, a Non Nigeria Nigerian lol... a perfect one. Others should learn from Covenant Christian Centre. I can forgive the little glitches with sound being their first edition. The questions were of good standards and fair. God bless Mr Poju [as he was called yesterday], the pastor of the church for such an idea. And the fact that it was not colourized with religion is a thumbs up. There was no way you can infer that it was a church organised program yesterday. BON and Channels have a lot to learn from this people.
Later some people will say the church is not doing anything.

litdutchboy:
Lagosians vote for Gbadamosi if you want Lagos to look like Dubai or Cape Town. Lagos is currently rated the 3rd worst megacity in the world under 20 years the drug baron and puppet master has called the shots.

Where can I reference this ranking?

Amen Estate noni awon temi

Unfortunately the real voters have already voted sanwo olu. Majority of them did not watch this debate those that watched don't understand the big grammar they are speaking. The more educated voters are the better our election become.

..
Jimi Agbaje's performance at the debate tells you all you need to know about the average Nigerian politician. They have no idea of how to tackle the challenges that will make the society inhabitable to citizenry and give them the platform to pursue their dreams.

The average Nigerian politician just wants to bear the title 'Honourable', 'His/Her Excellency', 'Senator', etc. They are out of touch with advances in governance and policy making. All they think of is vanity upon vanity.

Talk is cheap!
Governments aren't run by debates.
The whole lot of them need to clearly state their agendas for the State and explain how to accomplish them with the available resources within timelines.
Then publish it as a service charter.

Example is those that said they will clear Apapa traffic. The question is HOW?
It's not just issuing directives and order.
How?
In steps... Factoring in all the stakeholders. You think other governments havent tried to?

Another example is primary health care... HOW?
Is it by building more hospital and staff them with this same work force that have a bad work culture?
We will only have more hospital with more people unable to access good health care.

Traffic in Lagos is not caused by pot holes or weak lastma... It's caused by the pressure on the drainage system by a population with bad sanitation habits. The drains get blocked, the road floods, the pothole appears.

These are the kind of thinking that will deliver governance...

Have always believe in Babatunde Gbadamosi is a perfectionist in whatever he does, he turned a forest into a serenity in 3yrs, CEO of Amen Estate built independently without borrowing kobo or leaving on Government contract; he simply offer to rebuild Lagos back and make haven, the Estate he buillt came with brilliant infrastructure 24hrs power for the last 9yrs steady Yes in Lagos, underground drainage system and 24/7 harmed security and he promised to replicate that in Lagos by getting ride of Tinubu’s Alpha Beta liability consultant for good.

LZAA:
Wow
Afonjas are waking up oh
Normally they all bow to Tinubu but here they are slamming him and his stooge
Imperialyoruba is already wailing i see kikiki
Cc imperialyoruba sarrki velocity25 yarimo

Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Sudanese Emir will not like that debate

LZAA:
Wow
Afonjas are waking up oh
Normally they all bow to Tinubu but here they are slamming him and his stooge
Imperialyoruba is already wailing i see kikiki
Cc immhotep velocity25 yarimo

immhotep:

Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Sudanese Emir will not like that debate

Stop derailing thread with nonsense. Bring your head....yeye!