Lateef Jakande

In 1979, Lateef Jakande became the first civilian governor of Lagos State under Nigeria's Second Republic, winning on the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) platform. A veteran journalist and former managing director of John West Publications, Jakande transitioned from media leadership to political office during the return to democratic governance after thirteen years of military rule. His election marked Lagos State's entry into civilian administration as Nigeria's commercial capital.

Jakande's path to governance was shaped by his decades in journalism and publishing, where he built networks across Nigeria's political and intellectual circles. The 1979 elections represented Nigeria's attempt to establish a new democratic framework after the military governments of Gowon and Obasanjo. Lagos State, as Nigeria's economic hub and former federal capital, required experienced leadership to manage its complex urban challenges and growing population during this democratic transition.