The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been urged to strategically prioritize indigenous Yoruba candidates for all major elective positions in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections. This pragmatic step, according to concerned stakeholders, is essential to combat voter apathy, respect the cultural and historical realities of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland, and build a broad-based, winning coalition.
In a strongly worded position, advocates emphasized that granting Yoruba indigenes the first right of refusal for the Lagos Governorship, Senator seats, House of Representatives constituencies, and Lagos State House of Assembly seats is not ethnic chauvinism but sound political strategy rooted in Nigeria’s federal character and the quest for genuine inclusion.
“Granting our indigenous Yoruba sons and daughters the first opportunity to contest these critical positions signals respect for host community sentiments and will significantly boost voter participation,” the statement noted. “When indigenes feel sidelined in their own homeland, apathy sets in. Low turnout benefits only organized machines, not the people or the opposition.”
Key Reasons for the Call:
Combating Voter Apathy: Recent elections in Lagos have shown consistently subdued participation among core Yoruba voters when they perceive non-indigene dominance. Prioritizing indigenes first will convert disillusionment into enthusiastic mobilization.
Respecting Indigenous Realities:
Lagos remains the political and cultural heartland of the Yoruba people. Acknowledging this fact strengthens rather than weakens national unity. Building a Strong Coalition: This approach will foster alliances with traditional institutions, market leaders, community groups, and professional bodies, giving the NDC a solid grassroots foundation in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Differentiation and Equity:
It positions the NDC as a party that understands Nigeria’s diversity and avoids the imposition politics often criticized in other parties. The statement further clarified that the principle does not permanently exclude competent non-indigenes. “If after transparent screening no sufficiently strong indigenous aspirant emerges, the field should be opened. Competence, integrity, and vision remain the ultimate criteria,” it added.
Stakeholders called on NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, and the party’s leadership to immediately begin engagement with Yoruba traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and critical stakeholders to identify and nurture credible indigenous talents for these positions. “The NDC represents a fresh hope for Nigerians tired of the old order. To translate this hope into electoral success in Lagos, the party must demonstrate cultural intelligence and political pragmatism. The time to act is now,” the release concluded.
