Though Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are still some time away, early signs indicate a concerning trajectory. The political atmosphere, particularly in Lagos, is already being shaped by ethnic divisions and inflammatory rhetoric, rather than constructive, issue-driven dialogue. If the current tone is any indication, Nigerians may be in for a more turbulent experience than what was witnessed during the 2023 elections.In an ideal democratic setting, election seasons are vibrant periods of public engagement. Campaigns are typically opportunities for political parties to showcase their achievements, present their visions, and appeal to voters through debates, manifestos, and policy proposals. Incumbents use the time to highlight their successes, while the opposition scrutinizes those claims and offers alternatives. Such practices are hallmarks of mature democracies. However, in Nigeria, the build-up to elections has often been marred by divisive tactics and unproductive sentiment.Instead of engaging the public with meaningful agendas, some politicians are resorting to smear campaigns and playing up ethnic and regional hostilities. In Lagos, this disturbing trend is manifesting in renewed arguments over the “ownership” of the city. Rather than focusing on urgent developmental challenges, public discourse is increasingly preoccupied with claims and counterclaims over whether Lagos is an exclusively Yoruba domain or a shared cosmopolitan space.This tension has been heightened since the 2023 presidential elections, when Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, with considerable support from youths and working-class Nigerians—including many of Igbo descent—outperformed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, in Lagos. The surprising result triggered a wave of ethnic targeting and accusations that the Igbo community was attempting to “take over” Lagos. The narrative that “Lagos is no man’s land” has since been amplified, often with the intent to stoke fear and resentment among indigenes.Though the 2027 campaigns have not officially begun, supporters of President Tinubu in Lagos have reignited these sentiments. Such tactics are widely seen as attempts to intimidate non-indigenous residents—especially the Igbo—and suppress their political participation. It is broadly understood that while every community has historical claims to their land, the Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to live and vote anywhere in the country. Nevertheless, scapegoating and ethnic profiling persist.Prominent columnist and analyst Steve Osuji recently addressed the situation, noting that despite a long history of peaceful coexistence and intermarriage between Yoruba and Igbo communities in Lagos, ethnic tension has intensified since Tinubu’s rise in Lagos politics. Osuji cited the 2023 elections, during which Igbo voters were reportedly harassed, beaten, and disenfranchised at multiple polling stations in Lagos. He also pointed out that key figures in Tinubu’s campaign, such as Bayo Onanuga, made inflammatory remarks targeting the Igbo population—yet rather than being reprimanded, they were rewarded with political appointments.President Tinubu’s silence in the face of these actions has raised further concerns about his administration’s tolerance—or endorsement—of ethnic bias. Many Igbos feel marginalized, not just socially, but politically, with limited representation in key appointments under the current administration.Adding to the tension is a controversial initiative by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos, which has begun renaming streets that previously bore Igbo names. The change was implemented abruptly in 2024 via a local government memo, which stated that old street names were being “revoked” and replaced. Notable changes include Imo Eze Street becoming Layiwola Oluwa Street, Anosike Street turning into Jegede Marcus Street, and Uzoh Street renamed as Kalejaiye Adeboye Street. Even Mba Street was rechristened Sanwo-Olu Road.While the council insists that the move was an administrative necessity based on outdated documentation, critics view it as an ethnic affront—especially given the timing and lack of public consultation. The renaming effort is focused largely in Ajegunle, a neighborhood with a high concentration of Igbo residents, further fueling suspicions of targeted disenfranchisement.This isn’t the first time the Igbo community has been affected in the lead-up to elections. In March 2023, just days before the Lagos governorship vote, the Akere Auto Spare Parts Market—largely operated by Igbo traders—was gutted by fire. Despite public outcry, no arrests have been made, leaving many to wonder whether the act was politically or ethnically motivated.In light of these developments, it’s understandable that many Nigerians—particularly those of Igbo descent—are alarmed by the resurgence of ethnically charged rhetoric and actions. The phrase “Lagos is not no man’s land,” now repeated with renewed vigor, coupled with the ongoing marginalization of the Igbo in public life, suggests an ominous road ahead as the nation approaches another crucial election cycle.Unless political leaders actively work to de-escalate tensions and restore the spirit of unity and equity, the 2027 elections risk deepening divisions and undermining the democratic ideals they are supposed to uphold.
Ethnic Tensions in Lagos Signal Troubling Start to 2027 Election
