A coalition of Lagos-based professionals and innovators under the auspices of the Lagos Progressive Initiative (PLI) has endorsed Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) for the governorship race in the 2027 general election. Founded to drive transformative growth in Lagos, PLI aims to harness professional expertise to support policies that promote sustainable development and innovative governance.
The group announced its endorsement at a meeting in Lagos last Sunday, where members discussed the “way forward” for the state as preparations for the 2027 general election begin.
PLI convener Mr Wole Oladunjoye said the group supports Jandor because they believe Lagos can achieve more with fresh ideas and renewed energy in governance. Oladunjoye described Lagos as one of Nigeria’s most progressive states with steady development, but noted it has not yet reached its full potential compared to similar global cities.
“Lagos is a progressive state and perhaps the most advanced in our country. However, we believe it can improve further by building on its current achievements,” he said.
He explained that PLI consists mainly of middle- and working-class professionals in Lagos, a group often underrepresented in politics despite being well-informed and engaged.
Oladunjoye said many professionals avoid politics because they see it as “dirty” and not suitable for people focused on their careers. He added that while many join conversations about politics and governance on social media, they often lack the wherewithal to make a difference.
“Many people discuss politics but lack the means to participate, such as a permanent voter’s card (PVC). They engage in conversations and criticism but ultimately have no impact on the process,” he said.
He said the new group wants to close this gap by giving professionals a way to help develop and implement policies that benefit people in Lagos. PLI encourages professionals to join by applying for membership, attending policy discussions, and helping draft policies. They can also participate in outreach programmes that promote civic engagement and voter registration.
Oladunjoye stressed that professionals, because of their experience with global standards, should help improve local government. He said that staying out of politics has hurt the state and called on professionals to get involved and help shape Lagos’s future.
The convener said the group is backing Jandor because they believe good leadership needs both new ideas and someone who can put them into action. He described Jandor as a young, energetic leader who can bring people together and get things done.
“We believe Jandor’s candidacy will help galvanize these ideas. He has declared his intention to run for governor, and we are confident he will benefit from the ideas generated by this platform, ultimately improving Lagos State,” Oladunjoye said.
In his presentation titled “The Man Jandor”, Mr Seun Soyinka, the Director of Communication and Strategy for the Lagos4Lagos Movement, explained why the movement sees Adediran as a strong candidate for the Lagos governorship position.
Soyinka said Lagos has plenty of people who want to be governor, but not many who are truly qualified. He admitted that while many show interest in leading the state, it is understandable that people in Lagos are cautious, given the job’s big responsibilities.
“The question is not about who wants power, but who understands the responsibilities attached to it. And I think somebody like Jandor does,” Soyinka said.
He described Adediran as someone who has studied Lagos politics for years, not just someone who joined suddenly. He pointed out that Adediran has spent time learning the system, working with local communities, and challenging the usual way of doing things because he believes in it.
Soyinka said Jandor is not against the political establishment, but he does not accept complacency. He believes Lagos can do better. Soyinka added that Jandor’s readiness to challenge powerful groups demonstrates his political courage.
“The system needs this kind of rare political courage: the courage to confront doyens without demonizing success, the courage to disagree without being disrespectful, and the courage to step forward even when the odds are heavily stacked against him,” he said.
Soyinka said good leadership requires skills, structure, the ability to negotiate, and the ability to build partnerships. He said Jandor understands that running Lagos requires real systems, not just words, and is ready to work with many groups, including market traders, professionals, young people, and business leaders.
Soyinka said Jandor wants to lead to serve, with the goal of making Lagos better for future generations. He called Jandor visionary, focused on people, creative, and strong.
He said that if professionals, whom he called the “brainbox” of Lagos, stay involved, it will improve political discourse and lead to better results in government.
During a question-and-answer session, participants asked what would happen if Jandor did not secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. PLI representatives said Adediran has committed to supporting the party’s chosen candidate, referencing his support for party candidates in the last local government elections in Lagos State.
Participants also wanted to know if the Progressive Lagos Initiative would last beyond this election cycle. Organisers explained that the group is meant to support Lagos-focused ideas and civic engagement over the long term, not just Jandor’s campaign.
When asked about trust after Jandor recently switched from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, organisers said they are reaching out to explain why he made the change. They said they believe his message and past work will connect with both party members and many people living in Lagos.
The meeting ended with a call for professionals and other stakeholders to get more involved in politics, stressing that building the “Lagos of our dreams” needs everyone to take part.
