-
To Vote For Pres. TINUBU In 2027
Ahead of the 2027 general election, Igbos in Lagos have warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that they will not support or vote for the party unless their demands are fulfilled. According to reports from early 2026, Igbo community leaders and stakeholders in Lagos have been actively engaging with the APC regarding their representation and status in the state ahead of upcoming elections. A few weeks ago, Igbo residents in Lagos appealed to the APC Lagos State Chapter to be given tickets to contest House of Representatives seats in 3 Federal Constituencies. They assured that their full support for the party would extend to both the gubernatorial and presidential elections. In a communique issued after a Ndigbo Stakeholders meeting—which included community leaders, professionals, youth, and women leaders—call for political inclusion, they requested tickets to contest the Federal Constituencies of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, and Oshodi-Isolo.
They assert that for decades, the ruling party in the state has consistently excluded Igbo candidates from its Federal House of Representatives tickets in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, and Oshodi-Isolo, despite Igbos being a major voting bloc and mainly residents in the area. This ongoing exclusion conveys a negative message, suggesting that Igbo loyalty and contributions are disregarded, and many now see it as deliberate neglect or even hostility from party leaders. They argue that such political sidelining undermines national unity, fosters voter apathy, and creates unhealthy suspicion within Lagos and Nigeria. They humbly appeal to the APC National Working Committee, the APC Lagos State Chapter, and the Governor’s Advisory Council to, in the interest of justice, fairness, and national cohesion, allocate the 2027 House of Representatives seats for these constituencies to credible Igbo candidates. Doing so would dispel ethnicity-based doubts, affirm APC’s national character, and strengthen Ndigbo’s trust and commitment to the party and government. This is not a plea for tokenism but a call for fairness. Many qualified Igbo APC members in these areas are capable of winning elections and representing all residents inclusively,” the statement dated April 23, 2026, states.
Igbo stakeholders have emphasised that Ndigbo in these regions have consistently supported the APC in presidential, gubernatorial, and state assembly elections. They view political reciprocity as a fundamental democratic principle, expecting returns for their support.
They urge APC to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through inclusive practices. Lagos, as the Center of Excellence, should lead by example in detribalized politics, they say, warning that ongoing exclusion could alienate a significant voter base and reinforce marginalisation narratives, which could harm APC’s prospects in the diverse city.
The communique was also sent to the APC National Chairman, the APC Lagos State Chairman, and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos.
Additionally, Ndigbo have longstanding demands: leaders like Chief Sunday Udeh, President of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos, call for the APC to provide more meaningful appointments in local and state governance, given that approximately 45% of Lagos’s population is Igbo, deserving greater political representation.
Regarding protection, amid concerns over property destruction in business districts, the Igbo National Union Worldwide (INU-W) has issued a 30-day warning to halt the demolition of Igbo-owned properties, accusing authorities of targeted economic warfare against their businesses.
Rights: The community is demanding that the Lagos State Government guarantee the security of Igbo lives and investments. Furthermore, after reports of voter intimidation and restrictions in past cycles, they demand a “level playing field” for voting and for running for local government positions (Chairmanship and Councillorship) without harassment.
In the last few years, there has been tension among Igbos in Lagos and Yorubas over what is perceived as the Igbos wanting to take over the governance of the state, especially the governorship position. The assertion that Lagos is a “no man’s land” is a highly contentious and sensitive issue, causing significant anger among many Yoruba people who consider it their ancestral land. This phrase has been largely used in political contexts and often sparks ethnic tensions. The 2023 elections intensified this, with accusations of Igbos supporting opposition parties, causing fear of political displacement among Yorubas, who often emphasize “son of the soil” rights. The 2023 elections significantly damaged relations, with allegations of intimidation against Igbo voters in areas where they are the majority to ensure the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC). On the other hand, the Yorubas also no longer trust the Igbos; they perceive that they want to take over the land and insert their own culture, thereby ending their heritage and homes. Despite these tensions, the Igbo community in Lagos remains a vital economic group, and dialogues are held to improve relationships, highlighting a complex situation of co-existence within a deeply competitive political environment.
Isaac Abimbade
