Tinubu Lost in Lagos, Which Is No Man’s Land – Presidential Aide Bwala

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has described Lagos State as a “no-man’s land,” emphasizing its diverse and cosmopolitan nature.

Speaking in response to recent reports that ₦2.9 trillion was spent on projects in Lagos, Bwala argued that the state does not belong to any single ethnic group, pointing to its political dynamics and economic significance.

Citing the outcome of the 2023 general elections, Bwala noted that President Tinubu, despite being a native of Lagos and a key political figure in the South-West, did not secure victory in the state during the presidential poll. “Let me tell you why Lagos State is different — Lagos is a no-man’s land,” Bwala said. “In the last election, the president, who comes from the South-West, did not win Lagos. That tells you the cosmopolitan nature of the state.”

He further highlighted the economic importance of Lagos, stating that Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals, including Aliko Dangote, have chosen Lagos — not their regions of origin — as the base for their businesses. “The richest man in Africa is a Northerner, and his business is not in Kano but in Lagos. Almost every rich man in Nigeria has businesses in Lagos, and people from across Nigeria are represented there,” Bwala explained.

He added that while Yoruba remains the dominant language due to demographics, Lagos’s cultural and economic fabric is a reflection of the entire country. “If not for the fact that the majority of people are Yoruba-speaking, you might even question whether Lagos is truly in the South-West,” he said.

Bwala’s remarks underline the evolving narrative around Lagos as a national — rather than regional — economic hub, and its role as a melting pot for all Nigerians.