APC Reps Primaries Heat Up as 91 Aspirants Battle for Lagos Tickets
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Political activities within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified on Thursday as 91 aspirants positioned themselves for the party’s House of Representatives primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise is expected to produce candidates for the 24 federal constituencies across the state, with serving lawmakers, former commissioners, ex-council chairmen, former legislators and prominent party leaders all in the race.
Lagos Reporters gathered that the aspirants had been screened and cleared by the party’s committee, while direct primaries are expected to hold in most of the 245 wards statewide.
Although consensus talks reportedly succeeded in a few constituencies, many aspirants were said to have rejected pressure from party leaders to withdraw from the contest.
Three contenders are, however, expected to emerge unopposed, including Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for Agege Federal Constituency, alongside incumbent lawmaker Fuad Laguda and Benjamin Olabinjo.
In Ikorodu, Jimi Benson will contest against Olugbenga Shittu, while Ikeja Federal Constituency will see incumbent James Faleke square up against Olufunke Hassan.
The battle for Lagos Island II is expected to attract attention as incumbent Kayode Akiolu faces former Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, alongside Saheed Salawe and Oluwatobilola Martins-Fregene.
In Apapa Federal Constituency, incumbent Mufutau Egberoungbe will contend with former council chairman Funmilayo Muhhamed, Samuel Adesola Adebayo and Abullateef Aloba.
For Kosofe Federal Constituency, incumbent Kafilat Ogbara will face former council chairmen Yetunde Arobieke and Dele Osinowo, alongside Remi Odunsi and Aina Olayinka.
The contest in Oshodi-Isolo is projected to be among the fiercest, with 16 aspirants battling for the two constituencies in the area.
Those contesting for Oshodi-Isolo I include former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, Abayomi Fasanya, Taiwo Ayedun, Bashiru Dawodu, Lawrence Olanrewaju Iyere, Ndubisi Okwara and Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako.
For Oshodi-Isolo II, former House of Representatives member Ganiyu Johnson and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, are among the frontline contenders.
In Eti-Osa, former council chairmen Rasheedat Adu and Fuad Lawal are in the race alongside John Ogundara, Tosin Wahab and Opeyemi Abodunrin.
The Mushin II ticket will pit former Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, against incumbent Toyin Fayinka, while incumbent Adeyemi Alli will battle Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi in Mushin I.
In Alimosho, incumbent Ganiyu Ayuba is facing competition from former Commissioner for Tourism Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Olabisi Adebanjo, Olabode Adebisi and Babatunde Fatuade.
Somolu Federal Constituency is expected to witness another major showdown involving former ALGON National Chairman Kolade Alabi, former Somolu council chairman Abdul-Hammed Salawu, former lawmaker Rotimi Olowo and Mojisola Kassim.
For Ajeromi-Ifelodun, incumbent Paul Kalejaiye will face former representative Kolawole Taiwo.
In Ojo Federal Constituency, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, will square up against Wale Williams, while Surulere II features a contest between Lanre Okunola and Aremu Olalekan.
The Epe Federal Constituency race includes incumbent Wale Raji, Saidat Oladundoye, Wale Anomo, Ademola Amure and Bakare Isiaka.
In Lagos Mainland, incumbent Lanre Oshun will battle former council chairman Omolola Essien, Sunday Sawyer, Olushola Olorunleke, Omolaja Animashaun, Olatokunbo Oluwole and Adekunle Omolaja.
Badagry Federal Constituency will witness Sesi Whingan contesting against Olusegun Adeniran and Olufemi Ogunsanya, while the Ibeju-Lekki ticket features Adebayo Balogun, Lukman Akinsanya and Delaja Oladipupo.
Ten aspirants are also in the race for Lagos Island I and II constituencies. For Lagos Island I, Chairman of the Lagos House of Representatives Caucus, Dolapo Badru, former House of Representatives member Ibrahim Obanikoro, Toyese Olusi, Muyiwa Ajayi-Bembe, Ayodele Oluseye and Yusuf Adekunle are among contenders.
Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency also has six aspirants in the race, including Ayodele Adewale, Ramotallahi Akinola, Thomas Ayo Da-Silva, Wuraola Adewale, Moses Olarewaju and Adeola Adegbenga.
Political observers believe the primaries may reshape the internal power structure of the APC in Lagos as key political figures battle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
