Lagos Voters Demand Senators Match Oluremi Tinubu’s Legacy

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Residents across the three senatorial districts of Lagos State have called on current and aspiring lawmakers to raise the standard of representation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to emulate the legacy of Oluremi Tinubu, whose tenure in the Senate continues to attract widespread commendation.

The views were gathered by The Merit Newspaper during an electoral opinion poll conducted on Tuesday, April 28, cutting across Lagos Central Senatorial District, Lagos West Senatorial District, and Lagos East Senatorial District. Respondents, including traders, youths, artisans, and community leaders, stressed the need for impactful, people-oriented governance that directly improves livelihoods.

In Lagos Central, Mrs Awawu Pedro, a trader on Lagos Island, said the benchmark set by Tinubu during her three terms from 2011 to 2023 remains unmatched. “We saw real empowerment in those days—grants, training, and support for small businesses. Whoever wants to represent us in 2027 must bring back that kind of connection with the people,” she said.

From Surulere, youth advocate Austin Shitta noted that while current officeholders are making efforts, a more visible impact is expected. “We acknowledge that those in office are trying, but the standard has already been set. Young people need opportunities—skills training, start-up support, and mentorship programmes as we saw before,” he said.

In Lagos West Senatorial District, a community development leader in Alimosho, Mrs Basirat Ajasa, echoed similar sentiments. “Senators must go beyond lawmaking; they must touch lives. Remi Tinubu did that consistently. Her programmes gave hope to women and small traders. That is what we expect again,” she said.

A youth corps member in Ikeja, Benson Adekunle, added that representation should be measured by tangible outcomes. “We are not just looking at speeches or motions in the Senate. We want to see how policies translate into real benefits for ordinary people. That was what made her tenure stand out,” he remarked.

In Lagos East Senatorial District, a widow from Ikorodu, Madam Abosede Olawale, highlighted the importance of inclusive governance. “There were programmes that carried widows and vulnerable people along. Today, many of us are hoping that whoever emerges in 2027 will remember people like us,” she said.

Despite the growing calls for improved performance, some respondents cautioned against dismissing the efforts of current lawmakers. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Epe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The present senators across the districts are contributing in their own ways. Governance is continuous, and there is always room for improvement. What is important is building on existing efforts.”

Political analyst Dr Mary Musa described the development as a reflection of informed voter expectations. “Oluremi Tinubu’s record has become a reference point in Lagos politics. Her grassroots-focused initiatives—youth empowerment, vocational training, and support for women—created a lasting impression. Naturally, voters will expect future representatives to meet or even exceed that standard,” she explained.

During her time in the Senate, Tinubu was widely recognised for programmes that reportedly empowered over 1,000 young people with vocational tools, start-up kits, and seed funding. Her “One Day Senator” initiative also provided mentorship opportunities and scholarships for students, while market women and small-scale entrepreneurs benefited from financial assistance schemes.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, constituents across Lagos State appear united in their demand for representation that prioritises human development, accessibility, and measurable impact. For many, the message is clear: beyond party lines, the next set of senators must not only legislate but also deliver people-centred initiatives capable of transforming lives—just as the former Lagos Central senator did.