Lagos Youths Oppose Seyi Tinubu’s Governorship Ambition, Urge Him to Consider Osun State.
A coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths has strongly opposed the idea of non-indigenes contesting the governorship of Lagos State in 2027. The group, led by its president Abdul Kareem Whyte, issued a statement on Thursday condemning the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by a national youth organisation.
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) recently endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos State governor during its meeting in Owerri, Imo State. CONYL, which describes itself as the umbrella body for youth groups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, publicly called for his candidacy.
However, the Lagos youth group criticised the endorsement, calling it “anti-democracy” and a deliberate attempt to deny Lagos indigenes their right to govern themselves.
Whyte pointed out that since 1999, Lagos indigenes have largely been excluded from holding the governorship position. “It is no longer news that since 1999, no true blood indigene of Lagos State has taken over the mantle of leadership in the state (except one),” he said, describing this as marginalisation that has hindered the development of Lagos hinterlands, roads, and traditional systems.
The group also accused non-indigenous aspirants of attempting to manipulate Lagos’ traditional rulers for political endorsements. “We are calling on the Oba of Lagos to beware of persons who will soon seek indigenship of Lagos State because of 2027,” Whyte warned, vowing to resist such moves.
The coalition suggested that Seyi Tinubu could consider exercising his political ambitions in Osun State or Imo State, rather than Lagos. “We know as a fact that there will soon be a vacancy in Osun State where Mr Seyi Tinubu can best exercise his democratic rights unhindered,” Whyte stated, also proposing that Imo residents could welcome Tinubu as a successor to Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The group further urged the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders to prioritise advocating for good governance and policies that benefit young people, rather than endorsing candidates in a way that could create political tensions.
As the 2027 elections approach, the issue of representation and governance in Lagos remains a contentious topic, with local youth groups determined to assert the rights of indigenes in the state’s political landscape.
