A coalition of prominent Lagosians has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the state’s 2027 governorship ticket to qualified indigenous candidates, framing the request as a matter of fairness and inclusive governance.
The appeal was issued in a communiqué following a technical committee meeting of the Lagos State Prominent Indigenes group on March 18, 2026. The group, which also declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, resolved that key state leadership positions—including Governor, Deputy Governor, and Speaker of the House of Assembly—should be held by indigenes by the next election cycle.
According to the statement signed by convener Adesunbo Onitiri, the position aims to promote equity, preserve local identity, and deepen stakeholder participation in Lagos State’s administration. The group specified that aspirants must meet stringent criteria, including verifiable Lagos ancestry, strong academic and professional backgrounds, and proven leadership experience in public or private sectors.
Integrity was highlighted as a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates must have a clean record, free from corruption or criminal allegations, and exhibit “sound character, discipline, and exemplary personal conduct.” The communiqué further stressed the need for demonstrated commitment to societal values, such as family responsibility, and the capacity for collaborative, transformational leadership.
The group stated it is ready to engage with all eligible aspirants to identify and support candidates who align with these standards and can advance Lagos State’s collective development.
The call taps into longstanding debates about indigeneship and political representation in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, which hosts a diverse population with roots across the country. By formally outlining eligibility requirements, the group seeks to influence the APC’s internal selection process ahead of the 2027 polls, a significant move in a state where the party has dominated electoral politics for over two decades. The initiative signals a push to redefine qualifications for the state’s highest office amid ongoing conversations about regional identity and inclusive governance in Nigeria’s urban centers.
