Funso Doherty unveils Ikorodu daughter as running mate, presents manifesto
By KEMI KASUMU
The manifesto presentation attracted positive reactions from some of those present, with supporters and participants describing the policy document as one of the most comprehensive proposals presented by a Lagos governorship candidate since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Olufunso Adeshina Doherty, has unveiled Honourable Tolani Animashaun, an indigene of Ikorodu, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Doherty formally presented Animashaun, of Ikorodu Division, to supporters and other stakeholders on Thursday, October 8, 2026, describing her decision to join his campaign as part of what he called a “noble course” to provide a new direction for Lagos State.
The NDC governorship candidate, who described himself as a full-fledged Lagos indigene on both sides of his parentage, expressed appreciation to Animashaun for accepting to partner with him in the 2027 electoral contest.
Addressing the gathering, Doherty said he was confident that he had made the right choice in selecting Animashaun, who had received her education both locally and internationally.
“I express my sincere gratitude that you have accepted to join me in this noble course. I could not have made a better choice.
“So, for all of the people that contributed to that decision, in this room and outside this room, I want to say a big thank you.
“And with that, I want to welcome you to our ticket. Now, I want you to come out so I can present you officially to our people,” Doherty said.
Animashaun subsequently emerged before the gathering and was formally presented as Doherty’s running mate amid applause, music and celebrations by supporters.
The unveiling formed part of the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 Lagos governorship election, with the party positioning its ticket around what it described as a new approach to governance and public service.
Manifesto
At the event, Doherty also presented his manifesto, outlining key areas of his proposed administration if elected governor of Lagos State.
The manifesto presentation attracted positive reactions from some of those present, with supporters and participants describing the policy document as one of the most comprehensive proposals presented by a Lagos governorship candidate since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Among the issues highlighted by Doherty was the need for a functional system capable of providing accessible and quality healthcare and education for residents of the state.
He promised that his administration would prioritise free and quality healthcare delivery, including access to drugs, while paying particular attention to mothers and children.
He also pledged to strengthen education in public schools and ensure that children from less privileged backgrounds were not denied access to quality education because of financial or other limitations.
Doherty further promised the provision of buses to convey students to and from schools, particularly those who are in need of such transportation support.
According to him, the proposed intervention is intended to make access to education easier for students and reduce the burden on families struggling with transportation costs.
The NDC candidate said the proposed policies were part of a broader vision to establish a “working system” in Lagos State—one in which government services would be accessible, functional and responsive to the needs of residents.
Most interesting of his manifesto is the promise to make local government autonomy not only said but seen to be real. He had said at The Platform recently that he would decentralise road maintenance department to every local government, equip the grassroots administration with direct access to its financial resources to perform its constitutional roles.
The unveiling of Animashaun and the presentation of the manifesto have now formally set the stage for the Doherty-Animashaun ticket as the NDC intensifies preparations for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF TOLANI UNVEILING
