2027 Polls: Y-PA Warns Against Ethnic Intimidation in Lagos Politics

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Yoruba Patriots Alliance (Y-PA) has criticised what it described as rising political ultimatums and ethnic pressure tactics allegedly being deployed by some groups in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation was reacting to reports of threats by certain interests to withdraw electoral support from the ruling party and mobilise voters against specific political actors if their demands were not met.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Y-PA President, Dr. Abiodun Adebayo, and Secretary-General, Dr. Adeyinka Ogunyomade Olarinmoye, condemned what they termed coercive and divisive political behaviour, warning that it could undermine democratic stability.

The group stressed that while the South-West remains open and accommodating to all Nigerians regardless of ethnic background, political engagement must not be driven by intimidation or territorial pressure.

According to the statement, “Lagos is historically, culturally, and geographically Yoruba land. While the state remains one of the most welcoming places in Africa, hospitality must never be confused with political submission or cultural erasure.”

Y-PA further argued that although the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to reside, participate, and vote in any part of the country without fear, democracy cannot thrive where coercion replaces free choice.

It added that “electoral outcomes must be the result of genuine participation, not coordinated threats aimed at compelling concessions from host communities.”

The group also cautioned against what it described as exaggerated or inflammatory narratives about population strength being used to suggest political dominance in Lagos, insisting that power in a democracy is shaped through integration, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Reinforcing its position, the statement read: “No ethnic nationality owns Lagos except its indigenous people. Therefore, no group has the authority to impose political conditions on the Yoruba people in their ancestral homeland.”

Y-PA called on political stakeholders to refrain from rhetoric capable of heightening ethnic tensions as the 2027 elections approach. It also urged security agencies to keep watch on developments that could inflame political hostility in the state.