2027: Doherty blames Lagos political elites for sustaining ‘agberoism’

Funso Doherty, the gubernatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has criticized Lagos political elites for perpetuating agberoism, a system where transportation operators demand bribes from motorists. In a statement from the Lagos State chapter of the NDC, Doherty blamed the continued existence of agberoism on the political interests of those in power, stating that meaningful change requires political will, effective governance, and economic empowerment.

The candidate argued that agberoism operates through a pyramid-like system tied to political interests, making reforms challenging without a government willing to dismantle the supporting structures. He emphasized that the issue cannot be separated from the political benefits enjoyed by those who rely on the current system. Doherty linked agberoism to poverty, inadequate education, and lack of decent employment opportunities, suggesting that addressing the issue should go beyond law enforcement to include policies that provide young people with viable alternatives, such as education, vocational training, skills acquisition, and job creation.

The NDC candidate called for institutional reforms, accountable leadership, economic empowerment, and inclusive development as key elements in tackling agberoism. The party's Ọ̀NÀ TUNTUN (The New Way for Lagos) campaign highlighted the need for an administration committed to protecting public spaces, creating opportunities for young people, and enforcing the rule of law.

Doherty urged for greater accountability, asserting that lasting progress depends on tackling the political and economic structures that maintain agberoism.