Nigeria: the results of Lagos, one of the issues at stake in the gubernatorial elections

An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) counts votes at a polling station after local elections, in Lagos, March 18, 2023. AFP - PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

In Nigeria, the announcement of the results of the gubernatorial elections - held yesterday in 28 out of 36 states - began on Sunday afternoon. One of the issues at stake in this election is the opposition's ability to confirm its presidential results by taking power in regions where its candidates scored well. Peter Obi's Labour Party, the presidential sensation, is particularly scrutinized. For now, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the most states and is in the lead in the megalopolis of Lagos, where Peter Obi came out ahead in the presidential election.

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With our correspondent in Lagos, Liza Fabbian

The outgoing governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the majority party, has a clear lead over the Labour Party candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vicour, who is struggling to win. He has already begun to challenge this trend on Twitter. He says he is "convinced that the results published by INEC do not represent the wish of the majority of Lagossians" and he affirms that "the results collected by [the party's] agents on the ground indicate that [he] won this election."

In the light of this, I am convinced beyond any doubt that the results being released by INEC do not represent the wishes of majority of peaceful Lagosians.

More so the results from our field agents and situation room indicated that we won this election.

— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) March 19, 2023

The campaign was very tense in Lagos, the stronghold of President-elect Bola Tinubu.

The Labour Party accuses the APC of stoking tensions between the Yoruba community – which is the majority in the region – and the Igbos – the ethnic group of opposition leader Peter Obi.

Last night, Bola Tnubu's campaign communications director said in a tweet: "Lagos is Yoruba land (...) 2023 must be the last time the Igbos interfere in politics here. Mind your own business." Threats that shocked Labour Party supporters.

For now, it is still unclear whether Peter Obi's party, the third strongest in the Nigerian presidential election, will be able to take power in some states.

In the southeastern regions, it is the People's Democratic Party – the official opposition – that is accused of maneuvering to prevent Labour Party candidates from being elected governors.

► Read also Election of governors in Nigeria: many denounce tensions and violence

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• Nigeria
• Bola Tinubu