Nigeria: the election of the governor of Lagos, a crucial political issue and source of tension

A woman stands next to campaign posters of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) governor candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate Obafemi Hamzat displayed at a bus station in Lagos on March 7, 2023 ahead of the March 18 gubernatorial elections. AFP - PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

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2 min

In Nigeria, the governoral elections take place this Saturday, March 18, 2023. The economic capital Lagos, where Labour Party candidate Peter Obi came out ahead during the presidential election, is particularly coveted and a source of tension. The outgoing governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the ruling party (APC), is standing for re-election.

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With our correspondent in Lagos, Liza Fabbian

In Nigeria, three weeks after the general elections, the country elects its governors and representatives of local assemblies, Saturday, March 18, 2023. While the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – the outgoing majority – won the presidential election, the opposition hopes to wrest control of some key regions, including the megalopolis of Lagos, which is preparing for a particularly contested election.

With its 20 million inhabitants and its GDP that ranks it among the top ten economic powers in Africa, the megalopolis of Lagos is indeed a centerpiece in the Nigerian electoral game. The city is also the stronghold of Bola Tinubu, who was elected president of Nigeria on February 25.

However, after this election, it was Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, who came out ahead in the region.

This "battle of Lagos" creates tensions

Now attention is focused on Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour – aka "GRV" – who is running for governor of Lagos for the Labour Party. The 40-year-old architect promises more transparency and funding for education and health.

In front of him, the outgoing governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, multiplies the trips to the four corners of the megalopolis and highlights his experience and, of course, his proximity to the elected president.

Except that this "battle of Lagos" has created tensions. The Labour Party accuses the APC of "playing on fear" and stirring up hatred between the Yoruba community – the majority in the region – and the Igbo population.

Opposition leaders called on their voters to be vigilant on election day to avoid any overflow.

► Read also: Nigeria: the reasons for the victory of Bola Tinubu despite the crisis

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• Nigeria
• Elections in Nigeria