Kosofe Christians Demand Religious Balance In Assembly Seat

A fresh debate over inclusion, fairness and political representation has emerged in Kosofe ahead of the 2027 election cycle, following a call by a coalition of Christian organisations urging the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to address what it described as a long-standing religious imbalance in Kosofe Constituency I.

The appeal, made through an open letter by the Federation of Young Men and Christian Association, Kosofe Chapter, has added a new dimension to conversations already building around zoning and candidate selection within the constituency.

For many residents, the issue goes beyond politics. It touches on identity, participation and the feeling of belonging within a constituency widely known for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

In the letter addressed to the Governor’s Advisory Council, APC leaders in Kosofe and the Lagos State chairman of the party, the association argued that representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 1999 has heavily favoured one faith.

According to the group, Christians have occupied the Kosofe Constituency I seat for only four years within nearly three decades of democratic representation, while Muslim lawmakers have held the position for about 26 years.

The coalition specifically referenced the late Bayo Osinowo, who represented the constituency for 16 years, and the current lawmaker, Sanni Okanlawon, whose tenure would amount to 10 years by the end of his current term.

For the Christian groups, the figures reflect what they described as a sustained imbalance in a constituency where both religious communities contribute actively to political and social life.

The letter stressed that Kosofe has maintained relative peace over the years because of mutual respect and coexistence among residents, warning that prolonged exclusion from key positions could gradually weaken that sense of inclusion.

“We are not asking for favour. We are asking for fairness,” the group stated, arguing that equitable representation strengthens unity rather than division.

At the centre of their demand is a request for the APC to zone the next Assembly ticket in Kosofe Constituency I to a competent Christian candidate, which the coalition described as the minimum step required to restore confidence and balance.

The association also called for a more structured framework that would encourage religious rotation in future political arrangements within the constituency.

The open letter was signed by Sarah Joseph on behalf of Christian organisations and affiliates across Kosofe.

Political observers say the development introduces a sensitive but significant conversation into the local political climate, especially as aspirants continue consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Kosofe Constituency I remains one of the politically active constituencies in Lagos, with strong APC dominance and a highly engaged grassroots structure. As a result, discussions around zoning, inclusion and representation are expected to influence internal party calculations in the coming months.

Within the constituency itself, reactions have been mixed.

While some residents see the call as a legitimate appeal for fairness and broader participation, others believe political representation should remain based strictly on competence and electability rather than religious considerations.

Still, many agree that the letter reflects a deeper desire among groups within the constituency to feel visibly included in leadership structures.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership in Lagos had not issued an official response to the demands raised in the letter.

But with 2027 gradually approaching and political consultations already intensifying across Kosofe, the issue of representation — religious, political and demographic — is increasingly becoming part of the wider conversation shaping the future of the constituency.