The endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential Lagos State governorship candidate for the 2027 elections has sparked significant backlash from youth groups in the state. The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) had announced their support for Seyi Tinubu in a statement released in Owerri, Imo State, describing him as a suitable candidate to continue progressive leadership. However, this move has been met with rejection by the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths, who labeled the endorsement as “anti-democratic” and an affront to the rights of true Lagos indigenes to govern themselves .
In their response, the Lagos group firmly rejected the idea of a non-indigene taking leadership of the state, suggesting that Seyi Tinubu pursue his political ambitions in Osun State, where his ancestral roots lie, or in Imo State, where the endorsement was made. They criticized the endorsement as a deliberate attempt to marginalize Lagosians in their own state, warning that there is “no vacancy for non-indigenes in Lagos in 2027.” The coalition also questioned the motives behind the endorsement, accusing faceless groups of undermining local governance for political gains .
The group further expressed deep concerns about the historical marginalization of Lagos indigenes in leadership positions, highlighting that since 1999, only one true indigene has served as governor. They attributed this exclusion to a broader pattern of political dominance by outsiders, which, according to them, has contributed to the underdevelopment of key areas in Lagos State. They pointed out issues like deteriorating infrastructure, rising state debts, and a weakened traditional governance system as evidence of this marginalization .
The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also called on the Oba of Lagos and other traditional leaders to resist political pressures to endorse candidates with tenuous ties to the state. They warned that any attempts to manipulate Lagos’s political landscape through claims of indigeneship would be met with fierce resistance. The group emphasized their readiness to protect Lagos’s political heritage from external interference, stressing that governance should remain in the hands of genuine Lagosians .
Adding to their grievances, the group accused successive Lagos administrations of prioritizing the interests of non-indigenes over those of local communities. They linked this alleged favoritism to the ongoing neglect of hinterlands and the distortion of the state’s cultural identity. This, they argued, underscores the urgency of ensuring that the next governor is someone with genuine ties to Lagos and a vested interest in its development .
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy has reignited debates about the role of dynastic politics in Nigeria. Critics argue that such endorsements risk undermining democratic principles by promoting individuals based on family ties rather than merit. They called on groups like CONYL to focus on advocating for inclusive governance and youth empowerment rather than instigating political crises .
The rejection of Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy by Lagos youths signals a growing demand for accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s political process. As the 2027 elections approach, it is evident that issues of indigeneship, governance, and equitable representation will remain at the forefront of political discourse in Lagos State and beyond .
