The Coalition of Indigenous Youths in Lagos has firmly opposed the recent endorsement of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the 2027 Lagos State Governorship race.
This endorsement, initially put forward by a group known as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), has sparked considerable backlash among local youth, who insist that the position should not be available to non-indigenous candidates.
CONYL, which represents various youth organizations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, held its endorsement event in Owerri, Imo State. The group publicly endorsed Seyi Tinubu as the next governor of Lagos, emphasizing his right as a Nigerian citizen to contest in the election. However, the Coalition of Indigenous Youths sees this endorsement as an affront to the political rights of Lagos indigenes. They argue that such a move is undemocratic and an attempt by external entities to sideline native Lagosians from leading their own state.
In a statement signed by its President, Abdul Kareem Whyte, the coalition strongly denounced the endorsement as “anti-democratic.” Whyte described the endorsement as a deliberate effort to deprive Lagos indigenes of their right to self-governance in 2027. He emphasized that “there is no vacancy for non-indigenes in Lagos State in 2027,” expressing concerns about the prolonged marginalization of Lagos indigenes, which he believes has stunted the state’s development.
The coalition criticized the lack of progress in developing rural areas within Lagos since 1999, pointing to issues like inadequate roads, rising state debt, and disruptions to traditional governance. They argue that the city’s growth has been hampered by these conditions, which have disproportionately impacted the native population.
In light of the upcoming election, the group has also urged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, to be cautious of individuals who may attempt to claim Lagos indigene status solely to secure political advantage in 2027. The coalition views this as a critical moment for ensuring that leadership remains in the hands of true Lagosians, who they believe are best positioned to represent the community’s needs and uphold its heritage.
