Eko United, a coalition of Lagos-based professionals and innovators, has called on professionals, elites and working-class residents to actively participate in electioneering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by the convener of the group, Mr Wole Olagundoye, at the Strategic Convergence of Ideas Meeting organised under the Progressive Lagos Initiative, held in Lagos on Sunday.
the engagement was hosted by Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, a former governorship candidate.
Olagundoye said professionals and members of the elite class had historically remained distant from active political participation and electoral processes in Nigeria.
He noted that data consistently showed low involvement of elites in electoral cycles, largely due to perceptions that politics was “dirty” or because many were focused on career advancement.
According to him, this gap informed the group’s decision to mobilise informed professionals to engage more actively in politics as the 2027 elections approach.
Olagundoye said professionals possessed the exposure, knowledge and understanding of global realities needed to shape governance, stressing that disengagement only weakened their influence in decision-making.
He observed that many people discussed politics without taking concrete steps to participate, adding that a significant number did not even possess Permanent Voter Cards.
He explained that the platform was created to bring together like-minded professionals and workers, describing it as a space where meaningful ideas for governance could be generated.
According to him, the initiative is focused on developing practical solutions aimed at positioning Lagos as a leading state in Africa.
Also speaking, the Director of Communication and Strategy of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Mr Seun Soyinka, expressed concern over the persistent withdrawal of professionals from political processes.
Soyinka said many professionals viewed participation in governance as unproductive, leading them to remain on the sidelines.
He described professionals as the “brain box” of Lagos, noting that their involvement would enrich political discourse and strengthen policy conversations.
According to him, increased participation by professionals would result in more robust engagement and better outcomes for Lagos residents.
Soyinka said the meeting was designed to continuously remind professionals of the importance of active political involvement in building a progressive and prosperous Lagos.
He described Adediran as a symbol of fresh ideas, renewed energy and progressive thinking, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver transformational governance if elected.