Eko United, a coalition of Lagos professionals and innovators, has urged professionals, elites and working-class residents to actively participate in electioneering ahead of the 2027 elections.

The convener, Wole Olagundoye, made the call at the Strategic Convergence of Ideas Meeting under the Progressive Lagos Initiative, held in Lagos on Sunday.

The engagement was hosted by Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), a former governorship candidate.

Mr Olagundoye said professionals and elites had remained largely absent from politicking and electioneering processes across the country over the years.

“From statistics to statistics, we discovered that elites participate less in electoral cycles. Many believe politics is dirty, while others say they are too busy building careers,” Mr Olagundoye said.

He said the observed gap compelled the group to encourage informed professionals to engage actively in politics ahead of 2027.

“We are exposed, informed and understand global realities, so the onus is on us to bring knowledgeable people into politics,” he said.

According to him, standing aside from politics causes greater harm to the elite class and limits their influence on governance.

“Many talk about politics but lack the instruments to participate. Most do not even have Permanent Voter Cards,” Mr Olagundoye said.

He said the platform aimed to connect like-minded professionals and workers, noting that “this is where ideas truly reside”.

Mr Olagundoye said the initiative focused on sharing functional ideas to position Lagos as Africa’s leading state.

He added that professionals, thought leaders, and opinion shapers were being brought together to discuss Lagos’ future and pathways to progressive governance.

Seun Soyinka, director of communication and strategy for Lagos4Lagos Movement, lamented elite disengagement from politics.

“Many professionals feel participating in governance is a waste of time, so they step aside,” Mr Soyinka said.

He said professionals represented the “brain box” of Lagos and their involvement would enrich political conversations.

“If they participate, conversations become more robust, and Lagos will be better served,” Mr Soyinka added.

He said the engagement aimed to repeatedly remind professionals that active participation could help build a progressive and successful Lagos.

Mr Soyinka described Mr Adediran as representing “fresh ideas, new energy and progressiveness” associated with Lagos. He expressed confidence that Mr Adediran would deliver transformational governance if elected governor.

“We believe a candidate like him can translate our ideas into reality and ensure things are done properly,” Mr Soyinka stated.

(NAN)