A coalition of Lagos professionals and innovators, known as the Progressive Lagos Initiative tagged Eko United, has urged Lagos’ professionals, elites, and working-class residents to actively participate in politics.
This participation is seen as vital for enabling qualified individuals to occupy sensitive political roles in the 2027 general elections.
The group also urged Nigerians to utilise the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration at various Registration Areas in Lagos to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, ensuring they can elect credible leaders who will elevate the state.
The convener of the Progressive Lagod Initiative, Mr Wole Olagundoye, made the call during a strategic meeting aimed at gathering ideas to develop Lagos.
He said that the initiative supports Lagos for Lagos movement’s candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, Jandor who is contesting the governorship under the All Progressives Congress.
Mr Olagundoye emphasised that professionals and elites can significantly influence Lagos State politics by contributing ideas that impact residents’ lives, noting that the elites and professionals have largely stayed away from politics and election processes over the years and it’s high time they take a position in transforming the city of Lagos.
“Many think politics is dirty, while others are too busy building their careers,” Mr Olagundoye remarked.
He pointed out that this gap motivated the group to encourage informed professionals to actively participate in politics before 2027 for the betterment of society.
“Given our exposure and understanding of global realities, it’s our responsibility to bring knowledgeable people into politics,” he said.
He added that neglecting politics harms the elite class and restricts their influence on governance.
“Many talk about politics but lack the means to participate. Many do not even have Permanent Voter Cards,” he observed.
The platform aims to connect like-minded professionals and workers, emphasising that “ideas truly reside here.”
Mr Olagundoye highlighted that the initiative focuses on generating practical ideas to position Lagos as Africa’s leading state.
He also mentioned uniting professionals, thought leaders, and opinion shapers to discuss Lagos’ future and pathways toward progressive governance.
In his remark, Director of Communication and Strategy for Lagos4Lagos Movement, Mr Seun Soyinka, expressed concern about elite disengagement from politics, arguing that governance shouldn’t be left solely to politicians since professionals possess many valuable ideas to shape the state.
“Many professionals feel involvement in governance is a waste of time and choose to stay out,” Mr Soyinka stated.
He noted that professionals represent Lagos’s “brain box,” and their participation would enrich political discussions.
“If they get involved, conversations will be more comprehensive, and Lagos will benefit,” added Mr Soyinka.
He explained that the engagement is also a reminder to professionals that active involvement can help build a progressive and prosperous Lagos.
While speaking on the potentalities of Jandor, Mr Soyinka praised Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, Jandor, as a representative of “fresh ideas, new energy, and progressiveness” linked to Lagos, saying that he represents every strata of society considering his background, exposure and relevant to parts of Lagos.
He expressed confidence that if elected, Dr Adediran could deliver transformative governance because he can be trusted with power.
“We believe a candidate like him can turn our ideas into reality and ensure proper implementation,” Soyinka noted.
Reporting By Taoreed Abdullahi