The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths has rejected the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, for the position of Lagos State governor in 2027.
This follows an announcement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), an umbrella body of youth groups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, endorsing Seyi Tinubu for the governorship race. The endorsement was made public in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday via a statement jointly signed by CONYL leaders, including its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem; Secretary, Comrade Junard Abubakar; Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson; and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale.
Reacting to the endorsement, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths dismissed the move, suggesting that Seyi Tinubu pursue governorship ambitions in Osun State, where his family is originally from, or Imo State, where the endorsement statement was issued.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Abdul Kareem Whyte on behalf of the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths, the group categorically stated that there is “no vacancy for non-indigenes in Lagos State.”
Statement from the Coalition
“Our attention has been drawn to the recent endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor by a group known as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), which claims to represent youth groups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The said Coalition, meeting in Owerri, Imo State, endorsed Seyi Tinubu. While we acknowledge Mr Seyi Tinubu’s democratic rights as a Nigerian, we condemn this ill-fated endorsement, describing it as anti-democratic and a deliberate attempt by faceless individuals to deny Lagos indigenes their right to govern themselves in 2027.”
The Coalition also highlighted what it described as the continued marginalisation of Lagos indigenes in governance, stating that since 1999, only one true indigene has governed the state.
“We suggest that Mr Seyi Tinubu consider contesting in Osun State, where there will soon be a vacancy, or perhaps Imo State, if they wish to benefit from the experience he has acquired. For us, there is no vacancy for non-indigenes in Lagos in 2027,” the statement added.
Marginalisation and Underdevelopment
The Coalition further criticised the perceived marginalisation of Lagos indigenes, attributing it to underdevelopment in the state.
“Since 1999, our hinterlands remain underdeveloped, with poor roads and mounting state debt. Our traditional system has also been distorted by successive governments. It is appalling that some non-indigenes are even attempting to trace ancestral roots to Lagos to justify their political ambitions.”
The group called on the Oba of Lagos to remain vigilant and resist attempts by aspirants to gain endorsements or claim Lagos indigeneship for political purposes.
Warning Against Political Interference
The Coalition warned it was prepared to “fight dirty” if the Oba of Lagos or other traditional rulers entertained such claims.
“We also advise CONYL to focus its efforts on advocating for good governance and youth-friendly policies rather than instigating political crises in Lagos,” the statement concluded.
This development sets the stage for intense debates on indigeneship and governance as the 2027 elections approach.
