KOSOFE 2027: Federation of Young Men and Christian Association Condemns 26-Year Muslim Representation Against 4-Year Christian Record In Kosofe Constituency 1

A coalition of Christian organizations in Kosofe Local Government has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos State to correct what it describes as a 26-year religious imbalance in Kosofe Constituency 1, urging the party to zone the next Lagos State House of Assembly ticket to a competent Christian candidate.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Kosofe APC leaders, and the APC Lagos State Chairman, the Federation of Young Men and Christian Association, Kosofe Chapter, said the constituency’s representation since 1999 has overwhelmingly favored one faith, undermining the sense of inclusion in a mixed community.

  

According to the group, Christians have held the Kosofe Constituency 1 seat for only four years in the 30 years of democratic representation since 1999. In contrast, Muslim representatives have occupied the seat for 26 years. The letter noted that the late Hon. Bayo Osinowo served for 16 years, while Hon. Sanni Okanlawon is currently completing his 10th year in office.

“That is an unbroken 20-year stretch of one-faith representation in a constituency where both Christians and Muslims live, vote, and build together,” the letter stated.

The association argued that while Kosofe is widely known for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, that peace is rooted in mutual respect and equal participation. “But belonging erodes when one group is consistently excluded from key leadership,” it said.

The group made two specific demands to the APC. First, it wants the party to zone the Kosofe Constituency 1 Assembly ticket to a competent Christian candidate in the next election, describing it as “the minimum step to restore confidence and correct a 26-to-4 imbalance.” Second, it called for a public commitment to a framework for religious rotation in the constituency going forward to prevent any community from feeling permanently shut out.

“We are not asking for favor. We are asking for fairness,” the letter read. “The APC has the opportunity to show that it belongs to all Lagosians — Christian and Muslim alike. Doing the right thing now will strengthen the party, deepen unity in Kosofe, and set a worthy example for the state.”

The Federation stressed that equity is not charity but the foundation of lasting unity, warning that ignoring political balance for decades sends a message that some citizens matter less.

Kosofe Constituency 1 has been a stronghold of the APC since the party’s formation, and the Assembly seat is one of the most contested in Kosofe LGA. With the 2027 election cycle approaching, the call adds a new dimension to the party’s zoning and candidate selection process.

The open letter, signed by Pastor Mrs. Sarah Joseph, Secretary of the Federation of Young Men and Christian Association, Kosofe Chapter, on behalf of Christians in the area, concludes with a direct appeal: “The eyes of Kosofe are watching. History will record this moment. We trust you will choose justice over convenience, and equity over exclusion.”

The APC Lagos State leadership has yet to issue an official response.

Here is the in full:

OPEN LETTER TO THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), LAGOS STATE 

From: Federation of Young Men and Christian Association, Kosofe Chapter  

Date: 18 April 2026.

RE: 26 YEARS OF RELIGIOUS IMBALANCE IN KOSOFE CONSTITUENCY 1 – A CALL FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION

To the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Kosofe APC Leaders, and the State Chairman, APC Lagos,

We write this open letter on behalf of Christian organizations, churches, and affiliates across Kosofe Local Government and Lagos State. Our concern is simple: *Kosofe Constituency 1 has not reflected the religious balance of its people for over two decades.

The Facts Speak Clearly: 

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Kosofe Constituency 1 has had 30 years of representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Of those 30 years:

- Christians have served for *4 years*

- Muslims have served for *26 years* — 16 years by Late Hon. Bayo Osinowo and 10 years by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon upon completion of his current tenure

This is an unbroken 20-year stretch of one-faith representation in a constituency where both faiths live, vote, and build together.

*Why This Matters:*  

Kosofe is known for peace. Christians and Muslims here are neighbors, colleagues, and partners in progress. That peace is built on mutual respect and a sense of belonging. But belonging erodes when one group is consistently excluded from key leadership.

Equity is not charity. It is the foundation of lasting unity. When political balance is ignored for decades, it sends a message that some citizens matter less. That is not the Lagos we believe in, nor the APC we have supported.

*Our Appeal to You:*  

1. *Zone the Kosofe Constituency 1 Assembly ticket to a competent Christian candidate* in the next election. This is the minimum step to restore confidence and correct a 26-to-4 imbalance.

2. *Commit publicly to a framework for religious rotation* in Kosofe Constituency 1 going forward, so no community feels permanently shut out.

We are not asking for favor. We are asking for fairness. The APC has the opportunity to show that it belongs to all Lagosians — Christian and Muslim alike. Doing the right thing now will strengthen the party, deepen unity in Kosofe, and set a worthy example for the state.

The eyes of Kosofe are watching. History will record this moment. We trust you will choose justice over convenience, and equity over exclusion.

May God guide you with wisdom as you lead.

Respectfully,

*Pastor Mrs. Sarah Joseph*  

Secretary  

Federation of Young Men and Christian Association, Kosofe Chapter On behalf of Christians in Kosofe LG