The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths has strongly opposed the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as a gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State in 2027.
This reaction follows a statement from the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), which endorsed Seyi Tinubu during a meeting in Owerri, Imo State.
The Lagos group described the endorsement as an affront to democracy and a deliberate attempt to marginalise indigenous Lagosians.
“We condemn the ill-fated endorsement,” said Abdul Kareem Whyte, speaking on behalf of the coalition. “It is unacceptable for non-indigenes to continue denying Lagosians the right to govern themselves.”
The group criticised the underdevelopment of Lagos hinterlands and the marginalisation of indigenous communities, attributing these issues to successive governments dominated by non-indigenes.
While recognising Seyi Tinubu’s democratic rights, the coalition advised him to consider contesting in his ancestral Osun State or Imo State, where the endorsement was made.
The coalition also called on the Oba of Lagos to resist political manoeuvres aimed at legitimising non-indigenous candidates, vowing to “fight dirty” if necessary.
“Indigenous Lagosians have endured enough marginalisation. It’s time to reclaim our state and ensure true representation,” the statement concluded.
