By language or by governance?

On Thursday, October 1st, 2026, cultural preservation and governance entered the already vibrant Nigerian pre-election scene. At an Independence Day edition of The Platform Nigeria, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos State gubernatorial candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was asked a question in the question-and-answer session about the preservation of the Yoruba language and culture. The twist was that…he was asked in Yoruba, to which he attempted to answer in English.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Photo: TheCable

Since then, there has been some stir on the internet about the role of native language proficiency for the governor and leaders in general, and how all of it plays into ideal leadership.

Should a governor be able to speak the native language? Is it irrelevant to governance? Can a state’s culture and heritage be preserved regardless of its governor’s ability to speak the language? But most importantly, what does all of this even mean for quality of life now and after the 2027 elections?

So we did a breakdown for you.

Is it ideal for a state governor to speak the local language?

Yes. In several Nigerian states, multiple languages come from multiple ethnic groups, while in some, one or a few languages are the case. Regardless, the ability to speak one or more of the local languages has been linked with policy understanding, trust, and a sense of a shared identity.

In fact, some reports have shown that when only English is used, it is the poorer, least educated people who are usually left out.

So as far as connecting with one’s constituency, promoting language and culture, and showing a shared identity, the ability to speak the language is definitely a plus.

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A governance asset or a determinant for office?

Yet, in other regards, fluency in one or more of a state’s languages could also be considered less important for governance.

Firstly, Section 97 of the Nigerian Constitution designates English as the official language of business and governance in the country. The use of local languages can be an addition, but not a legal requirement. Secondly, various states in Nigeria have various languages. In Rivers, Plateau, Edo, Bauchi, or Taraba, amongst others, different ethnic groups speak different languages. When narrowed down to Lagos, Pidgin English, for example, cuts across the state’s millions and millions of constituents.

Lastly, at the core of good governance, some would argue that action is what matters, and not words. Lagos State is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, and thus very important to national development.

Meanwhile, the state is faced with flooding, exorbitant rent prices, housing deficits, daily gridlock, and poor waste management. So, just as in other states, the urgency of these pressing matters has stirred opinions that the state needs good governance first, before language proficiency.

Rhodes-Vivour has since argued that his promised impact on the state does not require him to be excellent at his mother tongue. But his opponents seem to keep insisting that there is an apparent disconnect with the language barrier.

Essentially, speaking Yoruba will help a governor be heard better by his own people. Yet, fixing flooded roads, unaffordable rent, gridlock, and uncollected refuse is what earns trust. Lagosians will likely weigh both in 2027, and the question for any candidate is whether they can do the first and deliver the second. Regardless of whether this question comes in Yoruba or English.

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