Lagos Youths Reject CONYL’s Endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, Advise Him to Contest in Osun or Imo
The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths has strongly opposed the recent endorsement of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, for the Lagos State governorship race in 2027. The endorsement was made by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a national umbrella body for youth organizations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In a joint statement issued by CONYL’s President, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, Secretary, Comrade Junard Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale, the group expressed their support for Seyi Tinubu to contest for the Lagos governorship. The endorsement came after an expanded meeting of the coalition, which was held in Owerri, Imo State.
CONYL’s statement noted that while Seyi Tinubu has the right to seek office in any state, they suggested he pursue leadership positions in Osun, where his family is reportedly rooted, or in Imo State, where the endorsement was made.
However, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths swiftly rejected this endorsement. In a statement issued by Abdul Kareem Whyte on Wednesday, the group emphasized that only Lagos indigenes should be allowed to govern the state, particularly in 2027. The group argued that Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy represents an ongoing marginalization of the indigenous people of Lagos, citing the lack of true Lagos indigenes in leadership positions since 1999 (with the exception of one governor).
The group expressed concern over the development challenges in the state, pointing to underdeveloped areas, poor infrastructure, rising debt, and the disruption of traditional systems due to successive non-indigenous leadership.
“We firmly believe that there is no space for non-indigenes in Lagos politics, especially in 2027,” the statement read. “For decades, our communities have been neglected while outsiders have taken leadership positions. It’s time for Lagos indigenes to reclaim their right to govern their state.”
The group also noted reports of attempts by non-indigenous aspirants to gain favor with traditional rulers in the state, warning that such efforts were designed to manipulate the political landscape in favor of non-indigenous candidates. They specifically referenced a recent case where a political figure suddenly claimed roots in Lagos after holding office for over a decade without acknowledging the local communities.
In conclusion, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths called on the Oba of Lagos to be cautious of individuals seeking to claim indigeneity for political purposes, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching. They also urged the leadership of CONYL to shift its focus from endorsing candidates to advocating for meaningful governance and policies that benefit Nigeria’s youth.
“We will not hesitate to take action if any attempts are made to undermine the rights of Lagos indigenes,” the statement warned.
