By HeadlineNews.News Political Bureau
In what has been described as a milestone in Nigeria’s political reform process, Lagos State has concluded the screening of Local Government Chairmanship aspirants ahead of the upcoming Local Government elections. The process, supervised by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Babatunde Ogala, marks a historic shift in the selection of candidates based on competence, capacity, and grassroots engagement.
This marks the first time in Nigeria’s recent democratic history where aspirants were screened purely on merit without influence from godfathers or political allies—a direct implementation of a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has emphasized that only those with proven capability and leadership potential should be allowed to vie for the third tier of government.
“The era of imposition is over. We are now looking for performers, not placeholders,” said a source close to the screening committee.
A President’s Mandate for Grassroots Reforms
President Tinubu, himself a former governor of Lagos State and one of Nigeria’s most experienced political tacticians, has long emphasized the need to reinvigorate local governments. As the first layer of democratic interaction, LGs are meant to implement policies that alleviate poverty and address community needs.
Yet for decades, LG governance in Nigeria has suffered from politicization, corruption, and underperformance. According to a 2022 report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), less than 15% of local governments in Nigeria deliver essential services effectively.
The current screening initiative in Lagos seeks to change that narrative. Every aspirant underwent a thorough performance and background check, with emphasis on past leadership roles, community service, financial accountability, and policy understanding.
Indigenisation Push: Tradition Meets Politics
A significant but controversial undercurrent to the reform is the increasing pressure from indigenous Yoruba leaders and stakeholders for the full indigenisation of political leadership in Lagos.
Stakeholders have argued that non-indigenes have dominated the economic and political structure of Lagos, often to the detriment of the host communities. A prominent traditional leader, speaking anonymously, noted:
“It is not about hatred. It is about correcting a generational imbalance. Our sons and daughters were priced out of their own land. Rent is high for them but low for others. Land sales were unrestricted. This must stop.”
Plans are reportedly underway to adopt a Dubai-style leasehold system, restricting land ownership to a 20-year renewable lease rather than permanent sale. There is also speculation about potential legislative reviews of voting rights for non-indigenes, especially in light of the 2023 general elections, where President Tinubu lost Lagos largely due to non-indigene votes.
Traditional rulers had tried to intervene in 2023 by attempting to delay or restrict PVC collection by non-indigenes—a move that failed but laid bare the growing frustration within host communities.
A Clean Break for Local Governance
The reformists argue that if change must begin, it should start at the local government level. Political actors are now placing renewed focus on wards, councillors, and LG chairmanships as the foundation for securing the future of indigenous control and effective governance.
“This is not about exclusion. It is about preservation,” said a youth leader from Epe. “Every major city in the world protects its natives. Lagos should do the same.”
What Comes Next?
With the screening results now concluded, Lagosians await the final list of aspirants cleared to contest. If successful, this screening process could become a template for other Nigerian states seeking to strengthen the democratic integrity of local governance.
“This is Tinubu’s silent revolution,” says political analyst Dr. G. Fraser. MFR. “He is redefining Nigerian politics from the bottom up. This is how institutions are built.”
“We are looking forward to more females and youthful persons who are mobile, dynamic with capacity, competence to perform and make the local governments into a hub of activities supported by educated Councillors who can deliver in modern day administration in every state. Those interested in politics should return to their States to develop their States as Donald Trump advocates to all ” – The National Patriots.
Editor’s Note: HeadlineNews.News will publish the full result of the LG aspirants screening in our subsequent issue. For insights and reactions, contact: editor.headlinenews@gmail.com
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” Tinubu’s Grassroots Revolution: Lagos Screens LG Aspirants on Merit” Impressive. We shall watch how this plays out if it’s true. If it works, then I will agree that Ashiwaju’s reforms are yielding good dividends. A good standard Local Government will make a huge difference for the community. The people will stop blaming Tinubu fir their woes and reach out to their Councillors and LG. I wish you the best. – Former Governor ( Southwest).
“Lagos Breaks from Tradition: No Godfathers, Only Competence in LG Elections” Unbelievable. Tinubu’s Reforms are most welcome. I can see the political landscape changing positively. We will do our best for 2027 this time. Lagos will be for only Tinubu. We will deliver 100%. Pls make sure those who spoilt our votes in 2023 can not vote again in Lagos. No position for them no matter what. Let every Nigerian go home to vote if they want to have a say in who governs them. They have no business in another person’s state. Forget the constitution made by the military regime. We need another constitutional and there are different ways to bell the cat. This time around, we won’t accept any non- indigene in our politics. We are planning. They rape our women and contaminate our lineage with their bad DNA blackmailing them. They say it openly that indigenes that want to prosper in the community should marry a non- indigene. Is that acceptable? God will arrest them now. – Activist, Grassroots mobilizer, local government leader.
” Reforming the Third Tier: Tinubu’s LG Governance Mandate Takes Root in Lagos” Lagos has always been a pacesetter. This is commendable. I am most impressed. I hope it can be sustained and not like other initiatives that will be contaminated. Please do the needful. Those with non- indigene girlfriends or wives should not push them forward for any position in the State. Let us preserve our cultural identity. This is politics and governance. Governance of the people. It is yorubaland. Non- indigenes can trade and live but stay within their limits henceforth. B.K. well done. I trust you will not disappoint us. May Olodumare, our deities, orisas & ancestors reward you. Ase. White cap Chief, Lagos.
” Indigenes Take Charge: Lagos Begins Political Rebalancing at LG Level” This is what every State should be doing with the APC government. Lagos is cosmopolitan and needs well educated LG Governance to ensure a good standard of maintenance of the environment, health care delivery system, unemployment and providing a safety net for the people. Security issues could also be supervised. This development is welcome. It’s encouraging. I hope the protection of indigenes rights is real and not a facade. Only pure indigenes or Yorubas should be considered for any LG position no matter the number of non- indigenes resident in the community. We need this respect for our people. – Retired Army General.
“From Imposition to Meritocracy: Lagos Sets New Standard for LG Leadership” Absolutely correct. About time. These reforms initiated by the APC nationwide are terrific. The country is going to be so well governed with visible results. May God bless Tinubu and grant him more wisdom. He operates in a quiet way but delivers. I am impressed. Honestly. I truly am. It’s like a dream. Keep it up please. – Elder Statesman.
“LG Elections Redefined: Tinubu, Ogala Lead Historic Candidate Screening in Lagos”. Really historic.
The chicken has finally come home to roost. The Yorubas will set the pace for others to follow as usual with the template being put in place. The third tier of governance has never been given the opportunity to deliver to the grassroot but things will change now. As President Tinubu’s government is putting so much funding to the Local Government which will be delivered directly to them, much will be expected from them and they will be monitored with the tracking system. Semi illiterates will not be competent for this office. It’s not a matter for pretty faces but those who can deliver. At this point, young people would now be more serious with their education so they can qualify for such positions. I believe the position of LG Chairman and Councillor is an administrative position so they need to be educated on what they would be expected to do. Many think it’s just to loot and change their level, but it’s to serve the people and deliver dividends of democracy with structural projects and initiatives meant to address evident lapses in the communities. These aspirants do not really understand the expectations so this will be a first step. B.K is up to the task, so best of luck. We need better dedicated capable Chairmen, Councillors – male & female. -:Legal Luminary.
“Yoruba Stakeholders Push Indigenisation as Lagos Reshapes Local Governance” – This is a step in the right direction. The disgrace to Ashiwaju in 2023 was unbelievable. We need to be proactive and I am glad we are starting early. You have my full support. Let us raise the bar for our Councillors and LG Chairmen. Gone are the days when people are selected because they know this person, now it will be based on proven track record. In fact, we may try what the judiciary is doing now by publishing names in the media and asking for comments on them. In politics, petitions with fake information will be submitted by the opposition or political opponents but it helps to know who one is promoting. It will not affect the candidate if he or she is innocent. I am thrilled with the new framework for the LG. I like this article. Good informative report. – Prof. Adeyemi.
“Grassroots Reset: Lagos’ New LG Politics Begins with Reform and Cultural Revival. ” It’s about time. God has answered the prayers of the Yorubas at last. We need to protect our cultural identity and raise the bar of those who govern us at all levels. I agree with HeadlineNews.News on this article that charity begins at home. We need to start from the Local Government level to build our democratic system. I am glad a competent man of integrity and political wisdom like BK Ogala is in charge. I trust he will do the needful and can never be bribed. Non- indigenes bribe for recognition and relevance but it must stop. Imagine a non-indigene married to a Yoruba person was given a Yoruba title by one so called Yoruba organisation. I was shocked to read the report and have decided to remove that so called yoruba organisation and it’s leaders from our list of accredited organisations, nor will we support their events in future or recognise them. Even when people collect money for awards, one must not be so desperate to collect from a non- indigene. The law says indigeneship cannot be acquired by marriage but by lineage. What is wrong with all these hungry people? We are now monitoring different groups and will take action when the time comes. B.K, ku ise. Ma dale Oooo. Ile o ni da e.
Traditional Ruler.
