By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Kosofe Local Government has condemned the endorsement of a particular aspirant reportedly made by the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Mustapha Sego, over political representation in Kosofe Constituency 2, describing it as an attempt to impose external influence on the constituency’s democratic process.
The coalition, in a statement issued on Friday, 8 May 2026, and signed by its Convener, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said the purported endorsement was unacceptable and lacked legitimacy within the political structure of Kosofe Constituency 2.
According to the group, political representation in the constituency must remain the exclusive decision of residents and critical stakeholders, guided by democratic principles, credible leadership evaluation and the free will of the electorate.
The coalition argued that it was inappropriate for individuals or groups without direct residency or indigenous affiliation to the community to interfere in its political affairs.
“At the outset, the Coalition considers it both inappropriate and unacceptable for any individual or group, particularly one lacking direct residency or indigenous ties to the Kosofe community, to attempt to exert undue influence on the democratic choices of our people,” the statement read.
The group further warned that the circumstances surrounding the endorsement raised concerns about external interference and coercive political influence capable of undermining democratic order within the constituency.
It stated,“The reported circumstances surrounding this endorsement raise grave concerns about external interference, coercive political signaling, and the attempted imposition of preferences through influence that does not reflect the will of the people.”
The coalition maintained that such actions could weaken community autonomy and threaten the peace the constituency had sustained over the years.
The CSOs stressed that Kosofe Constituency 2 could not be reduced to “a political territory to be dictated by external actors or leveraged for sectional interests.”
Rather, it described the constituency as “a community defined by civic consciousness, indigenous heritage, and a long-standing commitment to participatory governance.”
According to the coalition, any attempt to override the democratic rights of residents amounted to “a direct affront to the collective dignity and democratic rights of its people.”
Consequently, the group declared that the people of Kosofe Constituency 2 would resist every form of political imposition, intimidation or externally driven influence in determining their representation.
“The people of Kosofe Constituency 2 will not accept any form of political imposition, intimidation, or externally driven influence in determining their representation,” the coalition stated.
It further insisted that democratic representation must emerge solely through lawful, transparent and participatory electoral processes.
In addition, the coalition advised political actors and affiliated groups to conduct themselves within the boundaries of civility, legality and respect for community autonomy.
Similarly, it urged relevant security and regulatory agencies to remain vigilant and prevent actions capable of disrupting public peace or undermining democratic engagement in the constituency.
The coalition also called on stakeholders to exercise restraint and embrace constructive engagement anchored on democratic values and mutual respect.
“Political legitimacy cannot be manufactured through endorsements imposed from outside the constituency, but must be earned through trust, performance, and genuine grassroots acceptance,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting democratic values, the coalition said it would continue to defend the rights of residents and safeguard the integrity of the political process in Kosofe Constituency 2.
