Lauretta Onochie, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has weighed in on the eligibility of certain individuals to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, including Seyi Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, impeached Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru.
Onochie clarified that Nigerian law does not disqualify individuals from running for governor based on their family background, such as having parents who were governors or presidents.
Sharing her views on social media alongside images of the mentioned individuals, she urged the electorate to prioritize legal principles when discussing Lagos State’s political future.
To become a Governor in Nigeria, the law does not exclude those whose parents were governors or presidents. Let us be guided by the law when we argue about Lagos State succession. We cannot have a set of laws for Nigeria and a different set for Lagos,” Onochie wrote.
She further highlighted the legal requirements for governorship candidacy, emphasizing the importance of following constitutional guidelines rather than creating unfounded disqualifications.
Onochie’s comments come amid increasing speculation about potential candidates for the Lagos State governorship race, with public debates surrounding their eligibility.
She wrote:
“S/He must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth;
“S/He must have attained the age of thirty-five years;
“S/He must be a member of a political party and that political party must sponsor him;
“S/He must also be educated to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.
“One is disqualified from running for Governor if any of the following occurs:
“S/He has willingly acquired the citizenship of another country or has pledged allegiance to that other country in cases other than those prescribed by the National Assembly.
“S/He has held such office by election in any two previous elections. This basically means that a person cannot become Governor for a third term.
“S/He is adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind under any law in any part of Nigeria.
“S/He has been sentenced to death by a competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria, or has a sentence of imprisonment for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud.
“S/He has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or has been found guilty of the contravention of the Code of Conduct within a period of less than ten years before the date of election to the office of Governor of the state.
“S/He is an undischarged bankrupt who has been declared bankrupt under a law in operation in Nigeria.
“S/He is a person employed in the federal or state public service and has not withdrawn or retired from the employment at least thirty days before the date of the election.
“S/He is a member of any secret society.
“S/He presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Let our arguments be guided by the laws of our land,” Onochie added.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
